I-55 traffic stops lead to two significant drug seizures

[May 24, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois state troopers seized 45 pounds of cannabis and approximately 150 grams of hashish in two separate and unrelated traffic stops this weekend. Both stops were made by District 9 troopers on Saturday on Interstate 55 near Springfield.

The first seizure occurred at Milepost 87 northbound on I-55 at 7:30 a.m., when a trooper stopped Ryan Stephon Kyle, 20, of Waukegan and Lynwood Williams Jr., 21, of Dover, Del., for a minor traffic violation.

The trooper asked for and received consent to search the vehicle. While the search was being conducted, the trooper discovered 45 pounds of cannabis.

Both Kyle and Williams were placed under arrest and were remanded to the Sangamon County Jail. Both were active-duty military personnel, and their arrest information was forwarded to the Department of Defense.

The second seizure occurred later in the day. At 6:50 p.m. a trooper stopped Deborah R. Knight, 30, of Warrenville as she was northbound on I-55 at Milepost 98. This stop also was for a minor traffic violation.

Again, the trooper asked for and received consent to search the vehicle. While the search was being conducted, the trooper discovered approximately 150 grams of hashish.

Knight was arrested and remanded to the Sangamon County Jail.

The public is reminded that anyone is presumed innocent until the charges are proven in a court of law.

[Illinois State Police District 9; LDN]