Sheriff’s investigators and the FBI arrested two men who authorities say were trafficking over two kilograms of cocaine, worth $225,000, through Lake County on Friday afternoon.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group (SIG) received a tip that David Hernandez, 29, of Chicago, and Yastin S. Zaragoza-Barragan, 27, of Chicago, were trafficking drugs through Lake County.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said SIG detectives and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Chicago Field Division agents developed information that both were in possession of cocaine traveling through the county on Friday.
Members of SIG and the FBI observed the two traveling in a vehicle in the area of Interstate 94 and Route 60 near Lake Forest on Friday afternoon.
A traffic stop was conducted on their vehicle for a traffic violation, Covelli said.
A Lake County Sheriff’s Office canine team responded and the canine sniffed around the vehicle before indicating there were drugs inside the car.
Investigators searched and found two wrapped packages, each containing approximately a kilogram of cocaine, inside the vehicle.
Over 2.2 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $225,000, were seized, Covelli said. Detectives also found a loaded pistol in the vehicle.
Hernandez and Zaragoza-Barragan were both arrested.
“As a federally designated HIDTA Task Force, our Special Investigations Group has the unique ability to collaborate seamlessly with federal partners like the FBI to dismantle drug trafficking operations,” Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said.
“This designation brings critical resources and coordination that help us intercept dangerous narcotics before they reach our neighborhoods. I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork that led to this arrest and grateful for the strong partnerships that help us protect the people of Lake County,” Idleburg said.
Zaragoza-Barragan was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm.
Hernandez was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
“The FBI is unwavering in our commitment to investigate and hold accountable those who threaten the public’s well-being and safety,” said Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division of the FBI.
“We extend our appreciation to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for their tremendous work and partnership disrupting those who seek to distribute dangerous substances in our community,” DePodesta said.
Both Zaragoza-Barragan and Hernandez remain held in the Lake County Jail pending a First Appearance Court hearing on Saturday morning.