The two men from California charged with Cannabis Trafficking, for the largest pot bust in Illinois State Police history, were allowed to go home to California with Electronic Home Monitoring. Robert Mazo and Pedro Arreola appeared at their Preliminary Hearings on September 25th and requested permission to reside in California. Judge Patton approved the request to reside in California with electronic home monitoring.
On September 20, 2023, the Illinois State Police seized approximately 5,231 pounds of illegal cannabis during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Geneseo. Around 5:30 PM, an ISP Trooper conducted a traffic stop on a 2000 Provost Bus on I-80 Eastbound and observed numerous indications of criminal activity. An ISP Canine was called to assist and alerted to the order of narcotics. A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 5,231 pounds of cannabis with a value between $6.3 and $14.7 millions dollars.
The Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed petitions to detain on each subject, which were denied on September 21st. The judge released the subjects on pretrial conditions where originally not allowed to leave Illinois without consent from the Court. The investigation continues with the potential for additional charges pending.
Robert Mazo: Robert Mazo, 29, of Lancaster, California, waived his Preliminary Hearing and Formal Arraignment. Mazo is allowed to reside in California on electronic home monitoring. A Jury Pre-Trial is scheduled for November 9, 2023, at 1 PM. Robert Mazo is charged with Cannabis Trafficking > 5,000 Grams (Class X Felony), Delivery of Cannabis > 5,000 Grams (Class X Felony) and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis > 5,000 Grams (Class 1 Felony). Read more here.
Pedro Arreola: Pedro Arreola, 33, of Lancaster, California, waived his Preliminary Hearing and Formal Arraignment. Arreola is allowed to reside in California on electronic home monitoring. A Jury Pre-Trial is scheduled for November 9, 2023, at 1 PM. Pedro Arreola is charged with Cannabis Trafficking > 5,000 Grams (Class X Felony), Delivery of Cannabis > 5,000 Grams (Class X Felony) and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis > 5,000 Grams (Class 1 Felony). Read more here.
