DUQUOIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announced the results of a narcotics interdiction resulting in the arrest of three armed suspects traveling from Georgia to Colorado to purchase cannabis.
On Tuesday, September 24, a District 13 Trooper initiated a traffic stop on a 2013 Ford Hertz rental passenger car for speeding on Interstate 64 westbound at milepost 45. The driver and two passengers, all from Georgia, appeared extremely nervous and provided conflicting stories regarding their final destination. The driver admitted he possessed a loaded 9 mm pistol which was concealed next to the driver’s seat.
A further search of the vehicle uncovered a total of $25,037 U. S. currency under the driver’s seat and inside the trunk, a jar containing 5.6 grams of cannabis under the driver’s seat, and an AR-15 rifle inside the trunk. None of the occupants possessed a valid Georgia conceal carry permit.
“This is the type of police work that is representative of the Illinois State Police,” said Acting District Commander Kenneth Ryder. “I am very proud of the work our Troopers and Agents do and how they tirelessly serve the people of the State of Illinois. Removing illicit drugs, illegal guns, and monies raised from criminal activities off the roadways of Illinois is a focus of our patrol efforts,” he added.
The suspects were transported to the Washington County Jail. The driver, Joshua A. Brown, 27, Hiram, Georgia, was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon and Possession of Cannabis 2.5 to 10 grams, and the passengers, Javier D. Padilla, 22, Kennesaw, Georgia, and Morgan A. Brown, 19, Hiram, Georgia, were charged with Possession of Cannabis 2.5 to 10 grams.
Officers from ISP Zone 7 Southern Illinois Drug Task Force (SIDTF) interviewed the subjects, who admitted they were en route to Colorado to purchase cannabis with the cash in their vehicle.
The investigation remains on going.
