On Friday evening, January 31, 2020, Gurnee Police executed a search warrant at local CBD store arresting four people in connection to illegal cannabis sales.
A tip received from the Crime Stoppers hotline, along with several other sources, reported suspicious drug sales and activity at a CBD store located in the 400 block of Route 21. The reports included the illegal sales of cannabis, employees armed with weapons, and a plot for a store robbery. During the investigation, the Visitor Orientated Policing (VOP) detectives verified the cash-based business was selling unauthorized cannabis and THC infused products through a private room within the store. The business, registered with the Village of Gurnee to sell CBD products and accessories, was not approved by the State or Village as a licensed cannabis dispensary.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the business based on intelligence gathered regarding the store’s operations, and the potential for weapons inside. Out of an abundance of caution, the Emergency Services Team from the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) was requested to assist with the search warrant. At approximately 6:50 PM, NIPAS and Gurnee Police executed the search warrant at the location, taking four employees into custody in connection with the sales operation.
“The alarming accusations about the inner workings of the business led to a quick response from our investigators. The VOP team carefully investigated this case and stopped a potential threat of violence and what could have been a dangerous situation.” Chief Brian Smith said. “We are grateful for the support given to us by NIPAS to ensure the operation went smoothly.”
Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik was pleased with the response taken by police and added, “I am proud of the swift and decisive action by the Gurnee Police Department to shut down this brazen criminal operation.”
Investigators recovered approximately $25,000 in cash and 200 pounds of cannabis product with an estimated retail value of over $500,000.
The suspects arrested during this operation are:
Adrian Gonzalez, 24, from Waukegan, Illinois
Juan M. Gonzalez, 39, from Waukegan, Illinois
Victor M. Tapia, 34, from Waukegan, Illinois
David Vega III, 22, from Zion, Illinois
Each suspect received a charge for possessing and delivering more than 5,000 grams of cannabis substance. The charge is a Class X felony which has a mandatory minimum sentence of 6 – 30 years in the Department of Corrections.
All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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