Chicago Drug Bust Nets $8 Million and 250 Kilos of Cocaine

In Federal crime news this week, 15 members of a Mexican drug cartel ring were busted in Chicago and their massive stash of drugs and cash were taken.

According to the Chicago Sun Times the bust was part of a nationwide investigation referred to as Project Coronado. It focused specifically on the distribution network of the cartel La Familia, based in Micoacan in southwestern Mexico.

The Chicago part of the bust happened largely in the suburbs and was centered in Berwyn, Bolingbrook, Oak Lawn, Hickory Hills, Joliet, and Justice. Fifteen suspects were arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine.

The Chicagoan suspects include 31 year old Jorge Luis Torres-Galvan, 37 year old Jose Gonzalez-Zavala, and 35 year old Ismael Flores, among others. Nationally, the sting resulted in more than 300 arrests in 19 states.

Distribution charges are serious whether you face them at the state or the federal level. Regardless of who brings the charges against you, you are likely looking at several years in prison and heavy fines. For instance, if you are caught with 15 grams of heroin or cocaine, you could face up to 30 years in prison.

The police don’t have to see you sell drugs to get distribution charges to stick, although it does help. If the state can come up with enough “probable cause” to believe that you even intended to distribute drugs, you could be facing these serious penalties.

Having an aggressive defense attorney on your side at times like these is crucial. As you face you’re a potential future behind bars, it’s no time to be second guessing your choice in representation.

Contact our Illinois defense lawyers today to discuss your case and the steps you should be taking. I am eager to hear the details and can offer some free advice.