PHOTOS: Cops find pot hidden in buckets of frozen strawberries
Posted:
Updated:
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Chicago Police arrested a 41-year-old south suburban man involved in a cannabis trafficking operation that included a rental truck filled with numerous buckets of frozen strawberries concealing cannabis.
Officers discovered the buckets contained a total of 350 pounds of cannabis with an estimated street value of more than $853,000.
"Dismantling this elaborate narcotics trafficking operation is another significant step in helping eradicate violence and street gangs associated with criminal activities impacting our communities", said Narcotics Division Commander James O'Grady.
Martin Rosas, 41, of the 1200 block of E. 147th St. in south suburban Dolton, Illinois was charged with a felony charge of possessing more than 5000 grams of cannabis.
Officers assigned to the Bureau of Organized Crime, Narcotics Division launched an investigation after learning a group of individuals were involved in trafficking narcotics on the Southeast side of the city. The cannabis was planned for distribution to major gang factions in the areas of 80th and St. Lawrence and 83rd and Commercial.
Officers maintained surveillance of the vehicle and identified a rental truck Rosas was using to transport the narcotics. As officers continued surveillance and gathered further information, the officers were informed the cargo was frozen strawberries. Knowing the truck was unrefrigerated and driven to a residential drive way, officers approached Rosas who cooperated with the investigation and a Chicago Police K9 unit detected cannabis.
A large quantity of cannabis was recovered from the vehicle. As the investigation
continued, officers recovered an additional supply of cannabis along with a handgun from a Dolton residence. The investigation further led officers to a Southside warehouse, where hundreds of buckets of frozen strawberries were located, many of which contained a quantity of cannabis.
In total, the investigation uncovered more than 2,500 pounds of cannabis compressed and secreted in more than 1,000 buckets of frozen strawberries.
The recovery has a total estimated street value of $6.8 million.
Rosas is expected to appear in Central Bond Court Thursday. The investigation remains ongoing.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:44:55 GMT
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:41:10 GMT
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:28:58 GMT
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:20:15 GMT
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:42:17 GMT
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
