Truckers charged in McLean County’s third largest cocaine bust

Posted on February 22, 2019
cocaine bricks
Bricks of cocaine with an estimated street value of $5 million were allegedly seized from a semi on Interstate 55 near Towanda. (Illinois State Police photo)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – What’s believed to be McLean County’s third largest seizure of cocaine has two California men behind bars facing long prison sentences if they’re convicted.

Illinois State Police were conducting a motor carrier safety inspection Thursday morning on a truck traveling northbound on Interstate 55 near Towanda. Assistant McLean County State’s Attorney Jeff Horve said troopers became suspicious because the semi was off course from the intended California to Minnesota route.

Instead, Horve said police found out the truck was heading to Chicago to deliver what was allegedly inside the vehicle, 110 pounds of cocaine, stacked like bricks, vacuum-sealed, and ready for distribution.

A conservative estimate of the drug’s street value is $5 million, said Horve.

The semi driver, Brandon Weise, 35, and passenger Miguel Martinez, 36, are each charged with controlled substance trafficking and possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver. They face prison sentences of 30 to 120 years if they’re found guilty on the most serious charge.

A judge ordered the pair held on a $500,000 cash bond.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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