100 Pounds of Marijuana, 10K THC Vapes Seized After Indiana Police Chase

Two suburban Chicago men arrested and face drug and firearm charges

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:18pm

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About 100 pounds of marijuana, 10,000 THC vape cartridges, and two guns were seized after a police chase that started in Indiana and ended in Chicago. The pursuit ended when the SUV struck a police vehicle, briefly trapping an officer. Two men were arrested and face charges while awaiting extradition to Indiana.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to interdict the trafficking of illegal drugs and firearms, especially as the legalization of marijuana continues to evolve across the country. The seizure of such a large quantity of marijuana and THC products also raises concerns about the source and distribution of these products, which can pose public health risks if not properly regulated.

The details

The Lake County Sheriff's Highway Interdiction Unit recovered the marijuana, THC vape cartridges, and two handguns, one of which had the serial numbers removed, after two suburban Chicago men - Miguel Moctezuma III, 21, of Wheeling, and Brian Ayala Solis, 21, of Palatine - were arrested. The pursuit began in Indiana for traffic violations and ended in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood when the SUV struck a Lake County police vehicle, briefly trapping an officer inside.

  • The chase began just before 1 p.m. on March 10, 2026.
  • The pursuit ended near 63rd Place and South Lowe Avenue in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood.

The players

Miguel Moctezuma III

A 21-year-old man from Wheeling, Illinois who was arrested and charged with dealing marijuana, possession of an altered firearm, and resisting police.

Brian Ayala Solis

A 21-year-old man from Palatine, Illinois who was arrested and charged with dealing marijuana, possession of an altered firearm, and resisting police.

Lake County Sheriff's Highway Interdiction Unit

The law enforcement unit that recovered the marijuana, THC vape cartridges, and firearms during the chase and arrest.

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What’s next

The two men arrested are being held in Illinois while awaiting extradition to Indiana to face the drug and firearm charges.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the challenges law enforcement faces in combating the illegal drug trade, even as marijuana legalization expands. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordination between state and local authorities to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and firearms.