Police: Cocaine found in car, driver facing drug charge

By Dustin Lemmon | Tuesday, February 12, 2008

A speeding violation on Interstate 80 near Geneseo, Ill., resulted in the arrest of a man allegedly carrying two kilograms of cocaine earlier this month.

Roberto Ortiz-Estrada, age and address unavailable, was charged Monday in U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to court records, an Illinois State Police trooper stopped the 2004 Nissan Armada in the eastbound lanes of I-80 near milepost 18 at 8:18 a.m. Feb. 3.

The trooper gave Ortiz-Estrada a warning for speeding, told him he was free to go, then asked whether he could search his vehicle, an affidavit filed in court states.

Ortiz-Estrada gave his consent and said there was nothing illegal inside, but police found cocaine hidden in the car’s air filter, the affidavit claims.

When questioned by police, Ortiz-Estrada admitted driving from Erie, Pa., to Des Moines to pick up the cocaine, which he was taking back to Erie, court records claim.

Ortiz-Estrada remained in custody Monday. He is due in court Wednesday.