Illinois Task Force Charges 2 in Cannabis, Laundering Cases

Separate cases involve a Los Angeles man accused of trafficking 11 pounds of cannabis and a California man charged with $204,547 money laundering

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI) has brought separate cases against two California men - one charged with cannabis trafficking and the other with money laundering. Anatoli J. Novikoff, 68, of Los Angeles, was charged with a Class X felony for allegedly transporting over 5,000 grams (about 11 pounds) of cannabis through Illinois to New York. A 58-year-old man from Upland, California was charged with two counts of Class 1 felony money laundering for allegedly transporting $204,547 in cash through Illinois in a hidden semi-trailer compartment.

Why it matters

These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement task forces to crack down on drug trafficking and money laundering operations across state lines. While cannabis has been legalized in Illinois, trafficking large quantities remains a serious crime. The money laundering charges also demonstrate authorities' focus on disrupting the flow of illicit funds.

The details

According to court documents, on February 11th, Anatoli J. Novikoff was allegedly transporting over 11 pounds of cannabis through Illinois to New York. The 58-year-old Upland, California man was charged for allegedly transporting $204,547 in cash through Illinois in a hidden compartment within a semi-trailer on August 21st. Both individuals have been charged but remain innocent until proven guilty in court.

  • On February 11, Novikoff was allegedly transporting the cannabis through Illinois.
  • On August 21, the Upland, California man was allegedly transporting the $204,547 in cash through Illinois.

The players

Anatoli J. Novikoff

A 68-year-old man from Los Angeles, California who was charged with a Class X felony for cannabis trafficking.

Upland, California man

A 58-year-old man from Upland, California who was charged with two counts of Class 1 felony money laundering.

Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI)

The law enforcement task force that brought the separate cannabis trafficking and money laundering cases.

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The takeaway

These cases demonstrate the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and money laundering across state lines, even as cannabis legalization continues to expand. They highlight the challenges faced by authorities in disrupting complex criminal operations that exploit differences in state laws.