Rockford, IL – A 40-year-old Rockford man has been arrested after authorities seized over one pound of cocaine during an ongoing narcotics investigation, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives say more arrests are expected as the case unfolds.
The Incident: Major Cocaine Seizure in Rockford Neighborhood
Police say the bust took place on Wednesday, November 5, in the area of 23rd Avenue and 12th Avenue in Rockford. Ariel Galindo, 40, was taken into custody after narcotics detectives recovered approximately 500 grams (1.1 pounds) of cocaine from his vehicle.
The arrest followed an active drug investigation into the distribution of large quantities of cocaine throughout the Rockford area. According to law enforcement officials, the investigation began after detectives received credible information about high-level cocaine trafficking in the community.
“Detectives had been monitoring suspected cocaine sales in the Rockford area for several weeks,” said a Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. “This arrest is the result of diligent surveillance and coordinated investigative work.”
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Authorities said the narcotics team executed the operation after gathering sufficient evidence linking Galindo to drug distribution activities. During the arrest, investigators reportedly discovered packages of cocaine ready for sale, along with other drug paraphernalia and materials commonly used in trafficking…