Police Seize Over 2,330 Pounds of Marijuana from Chicago Area Home

According to a recently published Cook County Sheriff's Department press release, a Northlake man who had nearly $8.5 million worth of marijuana in his Wood Dale townhome has his bond set at $750,000, said the Office of Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.

The man, 32-year-old Gilberto Diaz Moreno of 200 S. LaVergne in Northlake, was charged back on Wednesday with one felony count of unlawful possession of cannibis with the intent to deliver, a Class X felony that could force Moreno to spend 6-30 years behind bars if convicted.

The arrest started as an investigation by the Sheriff's Police undercover narcotics agents. The investigation itself began in Chicago near Midway Airport and eventually led police to a rented out Wood Dale townhouse. At this residence, police officers spotted Moreno constantly entering and leaving the home, but never staying there overnight or sleeping there.

Moreno gave police officers consent to search the home. However, this would ultimately lead to officers finding 2,339 pounds of marijuana wrapped up in 15-pound bricks.

Marijuana was found in every part of the house imaginable. Police found the bricks in the living room, the bathroom, family room, inside the refridgerator, and inside a clothing dryer.

It was painfully obvious to officers that Moreno had the intent to distribute and sell the marijuana. In fact, the entire house was nearly a drug lab. Inside the kitchen, police found rubber gloves, bags, scales, and other equipment used to package the marijuana for selling.

In addition, police believe that the one and only purpose for the home was to keep drugs there and package them for street sales. The rented home contained little furniture, nor did it appear like anyone was living at the residence.

Two other men were also taken into police custody after the home was searched. They were released without being charged. However, the investigation is still continuing.

The Sheriff's Police Narcotics Interdiction Team is comprised of the Cook County Sheriff's Police, Illinois State Police, Chicago Police and Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Their main focus is the interdiction and fighting of illegal drugs being brought up from the southwestern boarder of the United States to the Chicago area and Cook County area for distribution and sale. The team's goal is to keep citizens safe and healthy.

Sheriff Dart thanked the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Wood Dale and Glendale Heights police departments for their assistance in this drug investigation.