Late last week, the Independent learned that two Addison men had been charged with possession of about one kilogram of heroin as a result of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation.
Luis Ortiz, 24 and Christian Cardenas, 23, were arrested on Tuesday, April 30, according to a news release issued by the office of Robert Berlin, Du Page County State’s Attorney.
According to the release, the DEA executed a search warrant at a used car dealership owned by Cardenas in Addison and discovered about a kilogram of heroin inside one of the vehicles on the lot. Ortiz, who is an employee of the dealership, and Cardenas were arrested, prosecutors said, following a brief foot chase.
“In 2018, more than half of the 98 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 had set bond at $300,000, of which 10 percent applies, for both men. A “proof of funds” hearing was also granted, which means the defendants have the burden of proof that any funds used toward their bail were not obtained illegally.
“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.”
