Fake Coke Deal Arranged On Facebook Ends In Arrest: Police

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Tinley Park man arranged to sell fake cocaine to an undercover police officer on Facebook, prosecutors said. Paul Matula, 23, appeared before Cook County Judge Kerry Kennedy on a felony charge of unlawful manufacturing of a look-alike substance.

The prosecutor said a Tinley Park police officer was patrolling Facebook when he came across a post that read, “got the white lady ready to blow.” The officer knew the term “white lady” to mean cocaine. Shortly after another post appeared stating, “who needs this white girl hit my line.” The posts were identified as coming from Matula, police said.

Matula through Facebook messenger by Tinley Park police, the prosecutor said. A meeting was set up to buy an 8-ball on Dec. 17. Police intercepted Matula on the way to the sale, where officers claim they observed Matula was observed putting something in his pocket. The substance turned out to be baking soda, the prosecutor said.

At the police station, the prosecutor said Matula admitted to packaging baking soda to look like cocaine and making the Facebook posts.

The prosecutor said has two prior convictions for unlawful use of a weapon. Bail was set at $10,000. Matula is due back in court Jan. 7 in Bridgeview.