Rockford police seized $8.6 million in cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in a raid last month in southeast Rockford, officials announced Thursday.
Officers found the drugs after raiding 629 16th Avenue on Nov. 22, where they arrested 58-year-old Luis Ruiz, according to the Rockford Register Star.He's been charged with delivery of a controlled substance and three counts of possession with intent to deliver.
The announcement was made Thursday by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato, and Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea. They say the drug seizure is the culmination of a nearly year-long investigation in collaboration with the FBI, DEA, the State's Attorney's Office, Stateline Area Narcotics Team (SLANT), and Illinois State Police. Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey notes that these types of drugs drive city gang activity.
Authorities also seized two firearms in the raid and are looking for Ruiz's son Raphael. He's wanted on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and two counts of possession of a weapon by a felon.