A man who distributed fentanyl in Illinois and throughout the country pleaded guilty on July 16 to all charges against him. The 34-year-old man was known as "The Drug Llama" online, where he sold the drugs on the dark web's "Dream Market," a place people went to get illegal substances.
Man pleads guilty to charges related to online drug distribution
Effects of Illinois marijuana legalization
Starting in 2020, marijuana for recreational use for adults who are at least 21 will be legal in Illinois. The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act was signed by the governor on June 25. Illinois is now the eleventh state to make recreational marijuana legal. There are also medical marijuana laws in 33 states.
Several people accused of drug crimes after arrests
Five people have been accused of drug charges in Illinois after a police investigation of one bar in Rockford. According to local police, they received multiple complaints about drug distribution activity taking place on Rockford's North Madison Street, including at one local pub, Buster's Bar and Grill. A 38-year-old woman who works at the bar and lives on the block was investigated by police in the month before the arrests. They say that she was identified as playing a role in the alleged drug dealing activity, and at least one of the drug sales took place at the bar.
Bill introduced to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker made the legalization of marijuana for recreational use a key part of his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, and he has made good on this election promise by supporting a bill that would allow adults over the age of 21 in the state to grow up to five plants in their homes or purchase the drug from licensed dispensaries. The measure was submitted to the Illinois General Assembly on May 7. The governor says that he hopes to be able to sign the bill into law by January 2020.
Illinois traffic stop leads to methamphetamine seizure
A 23-year-old Illinois man faces decades in prison after police allegedly discovered about 7 ounces of methamphetamine in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop during the early morning hours of Feb. 1. The West Chicago resident has been charged with possessing between 100 and 400 grams of the drug with the intent to deliver. This is a class X felony under Illinois law and carries a maximum custodial sentence of 40 years.
Illinois police find guns and bulletproof vests in drug raid
Police in Illinois seized weapons and bulletproof vests as well as illegal drugs when they searched a Countryside apartment on Dec. 4, according to Cook County prosecutors. A 36-year-old man is being held without bond in connection with the narcotics and firearms haul. In addition, a 32-year-old man taken into custody at the scene was released after posting a $30,000 bond. Both of the men face multiple felony charges. The 36-year-old man faces the prospect of a mandatory life sentence for being a habitual armed offender.
What to do if you are facing drug charges
If you have been charged with possession or delivery of cocaine in Illinois, you may be facing harsh penalties including fines, jail or prison time, community service and a felony conviction. The consequences of a drug charge can also have long-term effects on your career even after you have served your sentence.
Texas men convicted of cocaine trafficking in Myrtle Beach
Illinois readers may be interested to learn that two Texas men have been convicted of running a major drug-trafficking operation out of South Carolina. As a result, they could each be sentenced to life in prison.
Man sentenced to 35 years for drug trafficking
A 32-year-old man was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison on Sept. 11 for using trains to smuggle drugs from California to Illinois. The defendant, a California resident, oversaw an operation that transported thousands of kilograms of heroin and cocaine between the states over a six-year period.
Police find drugs and bullets in suspicious vehicle
Police in Illinois say that reports of a suspicious vehicle in Joliet on the evening of Aug. 28 led to the discovery of heroin, cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a substantial quantity of 9mm handgun ammunition. A 24-year-old woman was taken into custody by officers at the scene. She was subsequently transported to a Will County detention facility on drug and weapons possession charges.
