Arnulfo Saldana, 49, of the 4000-block of West 81st Street was charged with manufacturing and delivering over 5,000 grams of cannabis, and Hugo Sanchez, 38, of the 100-block of North Beech Street, Toppenish, Wash., was charged with possession of more than 5,000 grams of cannabis, the release said.
According to the release, Chicago Police Narcotics officers were conducting an on-going investigation when they received received intelligence about possible narcotics activity in the area of 58th Street and Pulaski Avenue. Officers observed a suspicious vehicle in that area engaged in what was thought to be drug-related activities.
Further investigation revealed the driver, Sanchez, to be in control of a large quantity of cannabis and $57,000, the release said. After gathering more information, a search warrant was conducted at Saldana's residence in the area of 81st Street and Pulaski Avenue, which led to the seizure of cannabis in excess of 800 lbs.
Police report that the estimated street value of narcotics seized was more the $2.5 million. Narcotics-related funds totaling over $60,000 were recovered as well.
