District 12 Illinois State Police troopers patrolling Interstate 70, conducted traffic stops which yielded a total of 432 pounds of illicit cannabis in the past two days.  The street value of the seized cannabis was approximately $1,080.000.00.

On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at approximately 8:11 a.m., an ISP trooper initiated a traffic stop on a red Toyota passenger car for traffic violations on Interstate 70 near Effingham. During the traffic stop, approximately 71 pounds of cannabis was discovered.  The driver, Matthew Taffer, 23, of Leesburg, VA was charged with Cannabis Trafficking.  Mr. Taffer was incarcerated at the Effingham County Jail.  The Effingham County State’s Attorney and Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force assisted with the investigation.     

On Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at approximately 1:44 p.m., an ISP trooper initiated a traffic stop on an RV for traffic violations on Interstate 70 near St. Elmo.  The traffic stop resulted in the discovery of 361 pounds of cannabis.  The driver, Christian Peralta Martinez, 34, of Miranda, CA. and the passenger, Shawn Hulsey, 33, of Leggett, CA were charged with Cannabis Trafficking.  Both were incarcerated at the Fayette County Jail.  The Fayette County State’s Attorney and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force assisted with the investigation.     

“The Illinois State Police remain focused on battling the unlawful trafficking of illicit substances and criminal activity in and around our communities ” said ISP District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt.