MONROE COUNTY, Ill. – A joint task force designed to combat illegal narcotics and other criminal activity in southern Illinois recorded two large busts earlier this month.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office formed the Washington-Monroe County Drug Enforcement Group (WAMODEG) in late 2023 to curtail the transportation of narcotics on Illinois highways and interstates.
On Oct. 5, task force deputies conducted a traffic stop around 9:20 a.m., according to the sheriff’s department. During the stop, deputies noticed the occupants of the vehicle acting strange and conducted a search of the vehicle. Deputies found 102 pounds of marijuana in the car.
The driver was identified as a 44-year-old Oregon man. He was charged with possession and manufacturing/delivery of cannabis over 5,000 grams.
The suspect was released pending a future court appearance due to the elimination of cash bail and because county prosecutors could not demonstrate the suspect posed a risk if released.
The task force’s investigation continued, leading them to a home in Monroe County, Georgia. Local authorities joined the task force in serving a search warrant at the property, resulting in the discovery and seizure of 50 pounds of marijuana, one pound of mushrooms, six firearms, more than $93,000 in U.S. currency, a 2017 Cedar Creek camper, and a 2013 Chevy 3500 Duramax pickup truck.
