Lake County Gazette

Two Chicago men were arrested on drug trafficking charges by the Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group (SIG), in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Chicago Field Division. The arrest occurred on April 4 near Lake Forest.

"The FBI is unwavering in our commitment to investigate and hold accountable those who threaten the public's well-being and safety," said Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division of the FBI, according to a Lake Forest Sheriff's Office news release. "We extend our appreciation to the Lake County Sheriff's Office for their tremendous work and partnership disrupting those who seek to distribute dangerous substances in our community."

According to the news release, SIG received a tip that two Chicago men were trafficking drugs through Lake County. An investigation by FBI agents and SIG detectives determined that the men were in possession of cocaine. Members of the county and federal agencies observed the two men driving near I-94 and Route 60 near Lake Forest on Friday afternoon. A traffic stop was conducted for a traffic violation, during which a Lake County Sheriff's Office Canine Team responded, with the K-9 indicating drugs in the vehicle. Investigators found two wrapped packages, each containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine, inside the vehicle. A loaded pistol and more than 2.2 kilograms of cocaine were seized.

David Hernandez, 29, of South Campbell Avenue, Chicago, and Yastin S. Zaragoza-Barragan, 27, of South Peoria Street, Chicago, were arrested. The Lake County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved charges against Hernandez and Zaragoza-Barragan for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (Class X Felony) and unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class 1 Felony). Additionally, Zaragoza-Barragan was charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm (Class 4 Felony).

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said that as SIG is a federally designated High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funded task force, it can collaborate seamlessly with federal partners such as the FBI to dismantle drug trafficking operations.

The sheriff's office emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.