Two arrested, 19 pounds of pot seized, in McHenry County drug raid

Authorities seized 19 pounds of marijuana, an assault rifle, three handguns, silencers and three bulletproof vests from a McHenry County home Thursday night as part of an 11-month undercover drug investigation, McHenry County Sheriff's police announced Friday.

The investigation culminated with the raid of a home in the 11700 block of Country Club Road near Woodstock and the arrests of two residents - James J. Zaranto, 26, and Gary A. Brenton, 22 - on multiple felony drug and weapons charges.

"When you start coming across assault rifles and bulletproof vests, that gets your attention," Sheriff Keith Nygren said. "When you take guns like that off the street, as well as the drugs, it's a good case."

Zaranto, who was being held in the county jail on $95,000 bond, faces eight charges in all, including possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, unlawful delivery of cannabis, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of both cocaine and heroin.

Brenton, who wrote in court documents that he shares the home with his grandmother, uncle and niece, faces three charges, including possession of cannabis with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held on $65,000 bond.

Nygren said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are possible. The drugs seized, sheriff's police said, have a street value of about $28,500.