Police say traffic stop uncovers 50 pounds of cannabis

Two Rockford men face felony drug charges after police say a traffic stop near I90 and Roselle Road led to the discovery of about 50 pounds of cannabis in the SUV they were in.

Alberto Garcia, of the 1300 block of North Greenwood Avenue, and Julio Gillegos, of the 1400 block of North Blaisdell Street, were each charged with unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis, a class X felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison.

Cook County Judge Kay Hanlon set bail at $200,000 each Tuesday. The men must post 10 percent or $20,000 to be released from jail.

Gillegos was driving a Chevy Trailblazer in the vicinity of I 90 and Roselle Road at about 7 p.m. Monday when a Cook County Sheriff’s police officer stopped him for failing to signal a lane change, Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Mark Javier said during a bond hearing in Rolling Meadows.

The vehicle’s license plates did not match Gillegos, who said the vehicle belonged to him, Javier said. The officer noticed two large blocks wrapped in green cellophane “consistent with illegal packaging for narcotics” in the vehicle’s cargo area, Javier said.

A canine unit confirmed the presence of narcotics, which led to a vehicle search and the recovery of the blocks which smelled like cannabis, Javier said. The substance field-tested positive for cannabis in the amount of 23,653 grams which equals about 50 lbs, Javier said.

Gillegos, 34, is a native of Los Angeles and has no criminal background, Javier said. Garcia, 45, received a one-year supervision for DUI from Winnebago County in 2009. He also received a one-year supervision for domestic battery in 2008, Javier said.

The men next appear in court on March 29.