Kennedy Duran Sanchez, 27, of Chicago, Illinois, and Kevin Duran Sanchez, 29, of Romeoville, Illinois, are each facing felony drug charges after Indiana State Police allegedly discovered approximately 21 pounds of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, an Indiana State Police trooper stopped a black Ford Escape at approximately 12:05 p.m. on Friday, July 31, after observing the vehicle partially cross the fog line while traveling northbound on Interstate 65 near the 254-mile marker. The SUV exited at the 61st Avenue ramp, where the traffic stop was conducted.
Police said Kennedy Duran Sanchez was driving and Kevin Duran Sanchez was riding in the front passenger seat. Investigators said both men told the trooper they did not speak English, so communication was conducted using Google Translate in Spanish.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Kennedy initially told police the brothers were traveling from Chicago to eat at McDonald’s. When the trooper pointed out that Chicago was north of their location, Kennedy reportedly changed his story and said they had come from Joliet and were simply driving around Indiana with no specific destination. Investigators also learned Kennedy’s driver’s license had expired, while Kevin possessed a valid driver’s license.
Police said Kennedy consented to a search of the vehicle. A police K-9 conducted a free-air sniff around the SUV and alerted to the presence of narcotics.
During the search, investigators located a large outdoor propane fire pit wrapped in cellophane in the rear of the vehicle. Court documents state both brothers claimed it was a grill or fireplace but said it did not belong to them and they did not know who owned it. Investigators reported the fire pit appeared to have been modified with non-factory welds, body filler and fresh spray paint, leading them to believe it had been altered to conceal contraband.
Police used a crowbar to open the fire pit and discovered numerous packages concealed inside. After agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration responded to the scene, investigators removed 34 individually wrapped packages containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Court records state the packages had a combined net weight of approximately 21 pounds. DEA agents seized the suspected methamphetamine and both men’s cell phones.
According to court documents, both men were advised of their Miranda rights in Spanish and declined to make statements before being transported to the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed Aug 1, 2026:
Dealing in Methamphetamine (Possession with Intent, 10 Grams or More) — Level 2 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine (More Than 28 Grams) — Level 3 Felony
