The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, aided by the FBI, put the brakes on a drug trafficking operation with the recent arrest of two Chicago men. The task force involved, known as the Special Investigations Group (SIG), is part of an initiative that attacks drug trafficking regions with increased enforcement measures. The arrests of David Hernandez and Yastin S. Zaragoza-Barragan, as reported by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, came after SIG received a tip pointing them out as suspects ferrying drugs across Lake County.
According to the same source, SIG detectives, working alongside FBI agents, gleaned enough information to suspect that both individuals possessed cocaine while traveling through the county. This led to a strategic intervention yesterday afternoon on I-94 and Route 60. A traffic stop, executed on a seeming traffic violation, quickly escalated to a canine search, which indicated the presence of drugs in the vehicle. Detailed probing further uncovered two packages containing roughly one kilogram of cocaine each, alongside a loaded pistol.
The discovery amassed more than 2.2 kilograms of cocaine, consequently landing Hernandez and Zaragoza-Barragan under arrest. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office scrutinized the case details and approved felony charges for both men. Zaragoza-Barragan is up against charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm. Hernandez faces similar charges, sans the firearm-related count.
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg praised the efforts in a statement, noting the significance of the HIDTA Task Force's role and the value in partnering with federal agencies. "This designation brings critical resources and coordination that help us intercept dangerous narcotics before they reach our neighborhoods," he commented. On the FBI's commitment, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division, Douglas S. DePodesta, said, "The FBI is unwavering in our commitment to investigate and hold accountable those who threaten the public's well-being and safety." Both statements underscore the collaborative success.
