With only three months on the job, newly sworn in K-9 Officer Apollo and his handler, Manhattan Police Officer Ryan Gulli, assisted in a major drug bust, along with officials from the Illinois State Police (ISP).
The incident began around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, when the ISP conducted a traffic stop for a white van eastbound on I-80 at Houbolt Road.
The driver, who resides in California, was identified as 26-year-old Adam Jamal Kuri. The ISP Trooper suspected drugs may be in the vehicle and requested a K-9 unit to assist. Officer Gulli and his K-9 Apollo were on duty in Manhattan and responded to the call.
Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Gulli walked Apollo around the van, and Apollo alerted officials indicating he detected the odor of illegal drugs. The Trooper searched the van and located a large amount of cannabis and other illegal substances.
The van and drugs were seized and the driver arrested. Inside the van, there were 502 pounds of cannabis and 68 pounds of tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychoactive substance found in cannabis sativa plants.
Kuri was transported to the Will County Adult Facility and charged with two felonies – Class X felony for Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis over 5000 grams and a Class 1 felony for Possession of Cannabis, over 5000 grams.
Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold was pleased his department was able to assist with such a large seizure, and stated, “This a great example of interagency cooperation to remove more than 500 pounds of illegal drugs from the street. I am glad Officer Gulli and Apollo were able to assist the Illinois State Police. We create a safer community when police agencies work together. Our thanks to State’s Attorney James Glasgow’s commitment to area police K-9 programs, for without his support we would not have Apollo.”
Kuri’s next court date is March 6, in Room 405, of the Will County Courthouse. Kuri’s bond is set in the amount of $20,000 or 10 percent to apply. As a condition of bond, Kuri shall execute a waiver of extradition. On motion of defendant, bond is modified to allow him to reside and travel to and from the State of California.
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen worked with Chief Wold to bring a K-9 unit to the village, “Having Apollo and his handler Officer Gulli a part of our department makes not only our village safer, but also the surrounding area. In his short three months with the department, Apollo has shown his value to the Manhattan Police Department.”