Police Execute Major Drug Bust

Tactical officers recovered a large amount of marijuana, cocaine and drug manufacturing equipment in a home and charged an Evergreen Park man on multiple counts.

According to police, tactical officers executed a search warrant at 4:55 p.m. on April 19, in the 3000 block of 100th Place. Police said Philip J. Benz, 55, of Evergreen Park, was detained in the residence without incident, and police had K-9 units come into house to assist in a search for drugs. The dog indicated that marijuana was in several areas of the home, and officers ultimately recovered a total of 4,854 grams of marijuana and 45.3 grams of suspected powder cocaine, police said.

Reports said there were three dedicated rooms in the basement used to grow and dry marijuana. Police said there was machinery in the room, as well as fans and UV lights—all used to produce marijuana, and all of which they recovered. According to police, officers also recovered $667.

Police said Benz was charged with felony unlawful manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, manufacture and delivery of marijuana and unauthorized production of possession of marijuana.