Trucker arrested after Illinois troopers find suitcases containing $1.8 million in cocaine during I-88 inspection, prosecutors say

A truck driver is facing the possibility of life in prison after he was allegedly discovered transporting a large amount of cocaine during a traffic stop, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.

California-based truck driver Ronald Coleman, 43, was arrested on a charge of possession with intent to distribute 91 kilograms of cocaine, according to an April 28 news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The arrest came after Coleman was stopped by Illinois State Police (ISP) while he was driving a tractor trailer on I-88 near Morrison, Illinois.

ISP conducted an inspection and investigation, bringing in a canine unit.

The dog alerted to the presence of drugs on the truck.

When ISP searched the semi trailer, they allegedly discovered two suitcases containing approximately 91 kilograms of cocaine.

Investigators say that Coleman was knowingly transporting the cocaine from California to the Chicago area for distribution purposes.

If convicted, Coleman faces a maximum potential penalty of up to life imprisonment and a fine of $10,000,000.