Published: March 20, 2007

Local News: Public Safety
Authorities find $500K worth of marijuana in flower boxes

By Sadie Gurman
ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
Click here for more information about Sadie Gurman

MACHESNEY PARK — They resembled florists’ boxes, but when local authorities opened them last week, they found an entirely different kind of plant.

“They were large, long boxes — basically fresh-cut flower boxes,” Mark Giuffre of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Monday. “(But) when you opened the boxes, (it) didn’t smell like fresh-cut flowers.”

More than 300 pounds of marijuana, which authorities believe was grown in Mexico and shipped to the U.S., were seized from a Machesney Park home Friday.

Officials found the pot wrapped in plastic in the boxes, suggesting it was shipped to, not grown in, the home, Giuffre said.

The 315 pounds of marijuana they found in the 100 block of Winona Drive has a street value of about $500,000, Giuffre said. Jesus Santos-Obeso, 45, was arrested on state charges of unlawful possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver more than 5,000 grams. Santos-Obeso was taken to the Winnebago County Jail on $100,000 bond Friday, but had been released as of Monday.

Rockford’s DEA Task Force — 10 people from the DEA, the Belvidere Police Department, the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, the DeKalb Police Department and the FBI — found the drugs Friday afternoon. They also seized $10,000 cash, which Giuffre called “drug-related proceeds.”

Giuffre declined to say what led authorities to the home because the investigation is ongoing. Santos-Obeso is from Mexico, living in Machesney Park as a legal resident alien, Giuffre said.

The drugs probably came through the southwest United States before making it to northern Illinois, Giuffre said.

Staff writer Sadie Gurman can be reached at 815-987-1389 or sgurman@rrstar.com.

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Reader comments and feedback for the Authorities find $500K worth of marijuana in flower boxes article.
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funfsinn1
Joined: 17 Oct 2006
Posts: 129
Location: Poplar Grove
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 2:13 am
Post subject:

The cost of aliens in America. How can so many be so blind to this? The war on drugs COULD have been won. The comprehensive fence proposal would have taken it far.

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mustang guy
Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 67
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:26 am
Post subject: 500k worth of pot

goes to show you how much our government and local authorities pay attention to illegals. Probably one of those who takes advantage of our system too. Like getting food stamps, state aid etc.

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520
Joined: 29 Jan 2007
Posts: 8
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:58 am
Post subject:

notice he has been released on bond?? you know that means??? SEE YA!!!!! back to the "safe confines" of mexico for him. not to worry though....he'll be back (transporting his drugs). hopefully, there won't be a bond next time around. glad to see our tax dollars hard at work to let criminals walk the streets!!!!

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cld004
Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 6
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:23 pm
Post subject:

Where did he come up with the bond money? Food Stamps???

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rebecca1965
Joined: 20 Mar 2007
Posts: 1
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 3:26 pm
Post subject: Hmmm....

I'm as much against drugs and drug dealers as anyone and find it appauling that someone caught with $500,000 worth of drugs would only need to actually post $10,000 to be released on bond. However, NO WHERE in this article did I read that this guy was an illegal, and I am certain that if he was, he would have not been released on bond. Did perhaps a hispanic last name bring out the ignorance/bigotry in some readers?

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520
Joined: 29 Jan 2007
Posts: 8
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 3:37 pm
Post subject:

Rebecca - you are correct. He is not classified as an Illegal Alien. Here's what it says: Santos-Obeso is from Mexico, living in Machesney Park as a legal resident alien. So NO, he is not illegally in this country!!!!

It is appalling that his bond was so low. Not that it matters because I'm sure that no matter the amount - he would have bonded out regardless. He is more valuable to his "higher ups" on the streets making the money as opposed to sitting in a cell and not producing.

http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art ... /103200037