Kilo Of Heroin Found At Car Dealership, 2 Men Charged: Prosecutor

ADDISON, IL - Two Addison men are accused of being in possession of about one kilogram of heroin. The men, Luis Ortiz, 24 and Christian Cardenas, 23 were arrested on Tuesday as part of an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Du Page County State's Attorney's Office said in a news release.

The DEA executed a search warrant at a used car dealership in Addison that is owned by Cardenas. While there, officers said they found about a kilogram of heroin inside a vehicle on the lot. Ortiz, an employee of the dealership, and Cardenas were arrested after a brief foot chase, prosecutors said.

“In 2018, more than half of the ninety-eight opioid deaths in DuPage County were heroin related,” Du Page County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. “One kilogram of heroin is an extraordinary amount with a street value of between $200,000-$300,000. "

Judge John Kinsella set bond at $300,000, of which 10 percent applies, for both men. A proof of funds hearing was also granted, meaning the defendants will have to prove that any funds used towards bail were not illegally obtained.

"Most concerning is the number of deaths that amount of heroin could cause," Berlin said. "Thanks to the efforts of the DEA and the Addison Police Department however, that kilo of heroin will never make it to the streets.”