United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Todd C. Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-Chicago, and U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris of the Central District of Illinois announced that a federal jury returned a guilty verdict on March 23, 2022, against Muhammad Usama, 25, of Houston, for knowingly possessing 100 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, with intent to distribute it.

Sentencing for Usama has been scheduled for Sept. 9, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Springfield.

Over three days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Usama traveled from California across the country in a recreational vehicle full of almost 1,000 pounds of marijuana. The trip was interrupted by law enforcement, who seized the marijuana and took Usama into custody in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Usama remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals. At sentencing, Usama faces statutory penalties of up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a life term of supervised release, and up to a $5,000,000 fine.  

The case investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, DEA, Illinois State Police, Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, South Jacksonville Police Department, and the Jacksonville Police Department. The Morgan County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Z. Weir and Sarah E. Seberger represented the government at trial.