LAKE COUNTY – On Friday, July 31, 2026, at approximately 12:05 p.m., Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a black Ford Escape after observing it cross the solid white fog line near the 254 mile-marker on I‑65. The vehicle displayed an obscured Illinois license plate and pulled over on the 61st Avenue exit ramp.
The driver, identified as Kennedy Duran Sanchez, 29, of Chicago, Illinois, and his passenger, Kevin Duran Sanchez, 27, of Romeoville, Illinois, stated they did not speak English, and communication was facilitated using translation software. Both men gave inconsistent travel explanations while exhibiting nervous behavior.
An Indiana State Police K9 trained in narcotics detection arrived on scene and alerted to the presence of an illegal substance. A subsequent search uncovered a large, cellophane‑wrapped object in the rear cargo area that the occupants claimed was a firepit belonging to someone else. Troopers opened the firepit and discovered 34 cellophane‑wrapped packages consistent with narcotics trafficking. Several damaged packages revealed a crystal‑like substance identified as methamphetamine. The packages weighed a total of 21 pounds and field‑tested positive for methamphetamine.
Both occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody, advised of their rights in Spanish, and transported to the Lake County Jail. Both subjects were preliminarily charged with dealing methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony.
This is part of an ongoing effort by the Indiana State Police to interdict dangerous drugs being transported through our state. At the outset of his Administration, Governor Braun emphasized the importance of combating crime and making our communities safe. Through the efforts of the Indiana State Police and their partners, positive results are occurring through significant seizures and dismantling large-scale drug organizations.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
