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800 Pounds Of Pot Worth $2.5M Lands Two Men Behind Bars

CHICAGO (STMW) - Two men have been charged after police found them with more than 800 pounds of cannabis on the Southwest Side.

Arnulfo Saldana, 49, of the 4000 block of West 81st Street was charged with manufacturing/delivery of more than 5,000 grams of cannabis and Hugo Sanchez, 38, of the 100 block of N. Beech Street, Toppenish, Wash., was charged with possession of more than 5,000 grams of cannabis, according to a police News Affairs release.

The two men were arrested Thursday at 12:15 pm. in the 5800 block of South Pulaski Road, according to police News Affairs Officer Robert Perez.

The release said Chicago Police narcotics officers conducting an on-going investigation received intelligence about possible narcotics activity at the Pulaski Road address when they saw a suspicious vehicle in that area engaged in what was thought to be drug related activities.

Investigators found the driver, Sanchez,was in control of a large quantity of Cannabis and $57,000 in cash.

After gathering more information, a search warrant was conducted at Saldana's residence in the area of 81st Street and Pulaski Road, which led to the seizure of cannabis in excess of 800 pounds.The estimated street value of narcotics seized was more the $2,500,000, according to the release.

Narcotics-related funds totaling over $60,000 were also recovered, according to the release.

Saldana and Sanchez were expected to appear in bond court on Friday.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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