News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2004

350 KILOGRAMS OF COCAINE, $20,000 CASH, AND THREE DEFENDANTS TAKEN OFF THE STREETS OF CHICAGO AND WAUKEGAN

Seized Cocaine

Yesterday evening the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Waukegan Police Department, through the course of their drug investigation, seized approximately 350 kilograms of cocaine and $20,000. Additionally, three individuals where arrested for their involvement; Joel Garcia, 29 from Zion, Illinois; Eduardo Garza, 30 from Bensenville, Illinois; Jose Gomez, 29 from Waukegan, Illinois.

Prior negotiations had been made with one of the defendants, Eduardo Garza, indicated he could supply up to 1,000 kilograms of cocaine for $17,200 per kilogram. Further negotiations were made that resulted in Eduardo Garza delivering one kilogram of cocaine to an undercover agent. A subsequent search of Jose Gomez’s residence revealed 349 kilograms of cocaine and a firearm. The 350 kilograms of cocaine that was seized has a wholesale value in excess of $6 million and street value of $70 million.

This cooperative investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Waukegan Police Department has a significant impact for the Waukegan and Chicago Metropolitan Area.

All Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.