Two Waukegan Men Accused of Trafficking Nearly 5 Pounds of Cocaine in Lake County

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. — Two Waukegan men are being held in the Lake County Jail after authorities say a traffic stop in Round Lake Beach uncovered nearly five pounds of cocaine valued at more than $200,000, along with a loaded firearm and prescription drugs.

Bernardo C. Hurtado, 32, and Adolfo Macias, 37, were arrested following a September 14 traffic stop near Rollins Road and Turnbull Drive.

According to prosecutors, members of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group stopped a black 2025 Toyota Corolla around 7:30 p.m. after the driver allegedly failed to properly signal while changing lanes.

Hurtado was driving the vehicle, while Macias was seated in the front passenger seat. Authorities determined that both men had suspended driver’s licenses, and Hurtado was taken into custody for allegedly driving while suspended.

K-9 Alerts Officers to Vehicle

As officers prepared to have the vehicle towed, a Round Lake Police Department K-9 was brought to the scene to conduct an open-air sniff around the car.

The K-9 reportedly alerted officers to the presence of narcotics near the rear seat.

During a subsequent search, investigators discovered a brown paper bag on the floorboard behind the center console. Inside were two foil-wrapped bundles containing a substance suspected to be cocaine.

Both bundles field-tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 2,210 grams — or 4.87 pounds — combined.

Authorities estimated the cocaine had a street value of approximately $218,000.

Investigators also found a black backpack behind the driver’s seat containing a Ruger 5.7 pistol with a loaded magazine and 30 clonazepam pills.

Prosecutors said Hurtado admitted that the firearm and pills belonged to him. He allegedly told investigators that he intended to deliver the clonazepam to his girlfriend in Chicago, although authorities said neither had a prescription for the medication.

Hurtado’s Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification card was revoked at the time of the traffic stop.

Prosecutors Allege Larger Drug-Delivery Operation

The investigation expanded after Macias was interviewed by authorities.

Prosecutors allege Macias told investigators that he and Hurtado traveled from Waukegan to Chicago to pick up approximately two kilograms of cocaine from another individual at the direction of a person in Kansas.

The men then allegedly planned to travel to Round Lake and deliver the cocaine to another person.

Investigators said Macias told them the pair expected to receive $16,000 for each kilogram, for a total of $32,000. They allegedly planned to return to Chicago afterward and give the money to the person who originally supplied the cocaine.

Macias also allegedly told investigators that he and Hurtado had participated in similar deliveries involving large quantities of narcotics two or three times previously.

Felony Charges Filed

Hurtado has been charged with manufacture or delivery of more than 900 grams of cocaine, possession of more than 900 grams of cocaine, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, driving with a suspended license and improper use of a turn signal.

Macias has been charged with manufacture or delivery of more than 900 grams of cocaine and possession of more than 900 grams of cocaine.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office sought to have both men detained while their cases are pending, arguing that the quantity of cocaine, allegations of previous drug deliveries and presence of a loaded firearm presented a danger to the community.

Lake County Judge Michael Nerheim granted the detention petitions.

Both Hurtado and Macias remain in the Lake County Jail.

Hurtado is scheduled to return to court on October 7 for a preliminary hearing, while Macias is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 15.

The charges against both men are allegations. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Pulse Radio 96.1 — The Beat of Lake County