Todd C. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division, announced Friday, January 9, 2026 that drug trafficking charges were filed with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office against two California females.
Vanessa Perez, 27, of Los Angeles, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and controlled substances trafficking on Jan. 6, 2026.
Nancy Ramos, 20, of Huntington Park, California, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and controlled substances trafficking on Jan. 7, 2026.
Following an intelligence lead, DEA enforcement personnel identified and located Ramos as she arrived at Chicago O’Hare International Airport from Los Angeles on Jan. 5, 2026. Ramos provided consent to a search of her checked luggage after a positive canine sniff. Officers found approximately 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine inside.
DEA enforcement personnel also identified and located Perez at O’Hare International Airport, who agreed to a consensual search of her checked luggage. The officers discovered an additional nine kilograms of suspected cocaine.
The case was investigated by the DEA Chicago Field Division, with substantial assistance from the Hamilton/Boone County, Indiana Drug Task Force.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
— DEA
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