News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2006
Contact: Joanna Zoltay
Number: 312-886-2597

DEA Task Force
Takes Down Marijuana Distribution Organization
Six defendants arrested in Rockford

(Rockford, IL) – DEA Chicago Special Agent in Charge Gary G. Olenkiewicz along with Belvidere Police Chief Jan W. Noble announced the arrest of six members of a marijuana distribution organization by the Rockford DEA Task Force. In addition to the arrests, approximately 470 pounds of marijuana and three vehicles belonging to the organization were seized.

Arrested on state charges of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver more than 5,000 grams of cannabis were: Jose DeJesus Hernandez of Yakima Washington; Jose Luis Lupercio of Wapato, Washington; Israel Maria Acevedo of Yakima, Washington; Ignacio Sanchez Alvarez of Yakima, Washington; Jose A. Saldivar Espinoza of Napa, California and Adan Cano Lopez of Beloit, Wisconsin. All six defendants were detained in the Winnebago County Jail on $300,000.00 bail.

“These defendants were outsiders bringing illegal drugs into the community,” stated Olenkiewicz. “Their arrest and the subsequent seizure of illegal drugs is the culmination of cooperative work by members of the Task Force. We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to keep dangerous drugs off the streets and away from our children.”

The Rockford DEA Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from the DEA, FBI, Belvidere Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, and the City of DeKalb Police Department. The Task Force investigates large scale drug trafficking organizations having regional, national and international impact.

The case is being prosecuted by the Winnebago County States Attorney’s Office.