House Search Leads to $1 Million Marijuana Seizure in Illinois
March 13, 2019
Members of the Illinois State Police North Central Narcotics Task Force supported by officers from the Wheeling and Arlington Heights police departments reportedly discovered more than half a ton of marijuana during the search of a Chicago residence on March 5. Prosecutors from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office say that dealers could have raised more than $1 million by selling the seized drugs on the street.
Media accounts reveal that the marijuana was allegedly found in the garage of a Huron Street home, but they do not indicate what led police to believe the residence was being used to store or distribute drugs. Police say plastic bags containing about 1,129 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana were found inside several cardboard boxes. Police also claim to have discovered 1,688 liquid cannabis containers. A 38-year-old Chicago man was taken into custody at the scene in connection with the seized marijuana.
The man has been charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Police added a methamphetamine possession charge after allegedly discovering a small quantity of the drug during an inventory of the man’s possessions. His bail has been set at $100,000, and he is scheduled to appear in court again on March 14 according to reports.
Experienced criminal defense attorneys may strongly advise those accused of committing serious drug offenses to remain silent until they have spoken with a lawyer even if the evidence against them seems overwhelming and their situation appears grim. Seized drugs may be ruled inadmissible if police strayed beyond constitutional boundaries, and prosecutors might be more willing to reduce charges or penalties when their cases lack a confession.
Source: The Daily Herald, Prosecutors: Drug bust recovers more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana, Barbara Vitello, March 6, 2019