Pair of Interstate 80 travelers face meth, cocaine charges after Tri-DENT traffic stop

Tri-DENT Drug Task Force agents arrested two Interstate 80 travelers on charges linked to methamphetamine and cocaine after an April 15 traffic stop near mile post 72 Bureau County.

Agents stopped an eastbound vehicle driven by Ernesto Cabanzo-Rosas, 34, of Columbus, Ohio, for improper lane usage. During the stop, agents said they detected the odor of burnt cannabis inside the vehicle. They conducted a search and discovered about 39 pounds of purported methamphetamine and about 20 pounds of cocaine in vacuum-sealed packages hidden in the lower rocker panels of the vehicle, according to a Tri-DENT news release.

Cabanzo-Rosas and his passenger, Sonia Ibarra, 19, also of Columbus, were arrested and transported to the Princeton Police Department for further investigation, agents said. Cabanzo-Rosas and Ibarra later were charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver – over 900 grams and unlawful possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with the intent to deliver – over 900 grams. Both charges are Class X felonies, which are punishable with six to 30 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000.

Cabanzo-Rosas and Ibarra were transported to the Bureau County Jail. Cabanzo-Rosas is being held on $2 million bond and Ibarra is being held on $1 million bond.