Record crystal meth seizure in Waukegan

Two men were being held in the Lake County jail Friday for their roles in what authorities called a record crystal methamphetamine seizure in Waukegan.

Carlos Escobar-Bojorquez, 29, of Mexico, and Jose J. Cortes, 28, of Hazelhurst, Ga., were behind bars pending approval of formal charges by the Lake County state's attorney's office.

Waukegan police said Friday that 16.5 pounds of crystal meth with a $1.5 million street value were found in the suspects' car Thursday near Green Bay Road and Washington Street.

Authorities said undercover officers met with Escobar-Bojorquez and Cortes on the pretense of wanting to buy 10 pounds of crystal meth for $185,000. The probe centered on suspects who wanted to establish a crystal meth distribution point in Waukegan.

Following the arrests of the suspects, said police, a search warrant approved by a judge led cops to the 16.5 pounds of crystal meth in a hidden compartment built in the duo's car. About $2,000 in cash was seized from the men, police added.

Waukegan police worked the investigation in cooperation with federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Waukegan police spokesman Lt. Edward Fitzgerald could not be reached for more details.