Chicago Police Recover Over $700,000 of Cannabis and 9 Weapons

Search Warrant Yields Over 100 Pounds of High-End Cannabis, 8 Handguns and a Shotgun.

Chicago Police Harrison (011th) District Tactical officers seized over 100 pounds of cannabis, 8 handguns and one shotgun during a search warrant late Sunday evening.

Fernando Camarillo, 43, of the 2500 block of Landen in Melrose Park, was charged with one felony count of Cannabis Trafficking – Over 5,000 grams, one count of City Ordinance Business License Required, and four City Ordinance Weapons Violations, after Harrison District Tactical officers learned that a motor vehicle sales business was operating without the required business license.

On January 23, 2011, at approximately 8:30 pm, a search warrant was executed in the 5100 block of West Lake Street to investigate the validity of Camarillo’s place of business.  During a subsequent search of the premises, police recovered several boxes containing multiple bags of cannabis, totaling over 100 pounds with an estimated street value of over $700,000, and four semi-automatic handguns.  Police then relocated to Camarillo’s residence where Camarillo was taken into custody charged accordingly.  A search of the residence resulted in officers recovering an additional four semi-automatic handguns and a shotgun.  Further investigation revealed one of the guns to be stolen, rendering a continuing investigation towards additional weapons charges.

Camarillo is expected to appear in Central Bond court January 24, 2011 at 26th and California.