2 Kilograms Of Cocaine Seized In Lake Forest Drug Bust

LAKE FOREST, IL — Two Chicago men were arrested Sunday in Lake Forest on suspicion of illegally trafficking cocaine through Lake County, according to the sheriff's office.

On Sunday, law enforcement received a tip that two men were in possession of a large amount of cocaine while traveling through the county. The men were identified as 29-year-old David Hernandez and 27-year-old Yastin S. Zaragoza-Barragan, both of Chicago.

Members of the Sheriff's Special Investigations Group and the Federal Bureau of Investigations said they observed both men in a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the area near Interstate 9 and Route 60 for a traffic violation.

"A Lake County Sheriff’s Office Canine Team responded. The K9 sniffed around the vehicle and indicated there were drugs inside the vehicle. Further investigation revealed there were two wrapped packages, each containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine, inside the vehicle," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Over 2.2 kilograms of cocaine were seized in the arrest as well as a loaded pistol, law enforcement said.

Both men were arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Zaragoza-Barragan was also charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm.

“As a federally designated HIDTA Task Force, our Special Investigations Group has the unique ability to collaborate seamlessly with federal partners like the FBI to dismantle drug trafficking operations. This designation brings critical resources and coordination that help us intercept dangerous narcotics before they reach our neighborhoods. I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork that led to this
arrest and grateful for the strong partnerships that help us protect the people of Lake County," Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.

Both suspects remain held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial hearing.