EFFINGHAM, IL – An Illinois State Police (ISP) District 12 trooper patrolling Interstate 70 east of Vandalia discovered 4 pounds (1,852 grams) of heroin during a traffic stop. The street value of the seized heroin was approximately $648,000.00.
On Thursday, August 17, 2017, at approximately 10:55 a.m., an ISP trooper initiated a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Durango for improper lane usage. During a search of the vehicle, approximately 4 pounds of heroin was discovered.
The driver, Rosario Gonzalez, 54, of San Diego, CA, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Controlled Substance Trafficking and cited for improper lane usage. Mr. Gonzalez was incarcerated at the Fayette County Jail. The Fayette County State’s Attorney and Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force assisted with the investigation.
“The end-effect those trafficking illicit drugs has on families can be devastating,” said ISP District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt. “This is an example of good police work, putting solid training and experience to use, benefitting our communities,” he added.