K9 Mao alerts, cops find 176 lbs. of pot in semi-truck

Acting on a tip, Wilmington officers stopped a semi-tractor/trailer late Friday afternoon in the area of Highway 53 and South Arsenal Rd in Wilmington. After speaking with the driver of the semi, the originating officer requested the department’s K9 unit.
K9 Mao, the trustworthy German shorthaired pointer who recently observed his fourth birthday, checked the area around the truck and quickly alerted on the semi trailer, signaling to his partner Officer Kris Hopper the presence of narcotic odor.
Further investigation revealed 176 pounds of cannabis, 8 pounds of cannabis oil, and 1000 grams of cannabis wax. It is estimated that the street value of the drugs is between $275,000 and $315,000.
The Will County State’s Attorney’s office approved felony charges against the driver, Tomas Pabedinskas, 40, of Plainfield, for Manufacture/ Delivery of Cannabis. Pabedinskas was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility where he was held pending a bond hearing.
On Saturday he attended that hearing and was given a bond of $150,000.
K9 Mao, who joined the Wilmington Police Department in April, 2017, is trained in drug detection, tracking and evidence recovery.