By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (November 13, 2021) – The Lansing Police Department arrested a Lansing man on Friday, November 5 for drug possession and armed violence, seizing a large amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia in the process.
In October, LPD opened a narcotics investigation following a tip from a citizen regarding possible drug activity in Lansing. After obtaining a search warrant, police entered a Holiday Terrace residence on November 5 and found 6.5 kilograms of methamphetamines, 12 pounds of cannabis, and 44 grams of cocaine. Police also seized equipment used to help grow marijuana, as well as a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition.
29-year-old Joshua Centeno was charged with armed violence, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of cannabis — with additional felony charges pending.
On Monday, November 8, Centeno appeared before a Cook County Judge who set his bond at $75,000. He has posted bond and has been released, with a future court date scheduled in December.
“This is a big bust for our police department,” said LPD Detective Lieutenant Scott Bailey, adding that Centeno did not have any equipment in his residence capable of making methamphetamines, but did have a cannabis growing operation in his bedroom.
“If we would have seen the chemical operation of [the seized methamphetamines], we would have had to probably clear that entire building, because it is such a hazardous situation,” he said.
Bailey said that the arrest could lead to further investigations in Lansing, and added that information has been shared with federal agents.
An LPD press release about the arrest said, in part, “The Lansing Police Department would like to thank the residents of our community for taking an active roll in combatting illegal activity in and around our neighborhoods. If you have any information on illegal drug activity, please contact the tip hotline at 708-895-7105. You may remain anonymous.”
The Lansing Police Department is located at 2710 170th Street in Lansing.
I though marijuana was legal in Illinois