Sheriff’s Deputies with the PACE Team conducted a traffic stop of a 2022 Jeep Latitude at the 131 mile marker along eastbound I-70 in Henry County Thursday, April 28 and found $200,000 worth of methamphetamine.
HENRY COUNTY — The Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement (PACE) Team, a multi-jurisdiction law enforcement criminal interdiction task force consisting of Sheriff’s Deputies from the Hancock County and Henry County Sheriff’s Departments, made a significant arrest late last week, taking over $200,000 of drugs off the streets.
Sheriff’s Deputies with the PACE Team conducted a traffic stop of a 2022 Jeep Latitude at the 131 mile marker along eastbound I-70 in Henry County for following too closely and speeding violations around 11 a.m. Thursday, April 28, officials said in a press release.
During the course of the traffic stop, while standing outside of the vehicle speaking with driver, deputies observed a vacuum-sealed package containing a small amount of marijuana in plain view in the passenger compartment. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and deputies located a locked, large, red suitcase in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.
Deputies then utilized a pry tool to open the suitcase after the driver refused to provide the combination. Deputies opened the suitcase and found what was later determined to be 50 vacuum-sealed packages, each containing approximately one pound of suspected crystal methamphetamine. The current street value of the drugs is estimated to be in excess of $200,000.
Deputies then arrested the driver of the vehicle without incident, they said in a press release.
Courtney M. Kinard, 33, Normal, Ill., was arrested and charged with a Level 2 felony count of dealing methamphetamine and a Class B possession of marijuana. Her case will be heard in Henry County Circuit Court 2.
