Last week, authorities intercepted nearly a pound of heroin headed from Chicago to St. Louis on I-55 near Litchfield. According to a press release from the Illinois State Police, a man transporting heroin was stopped Tuesday night (11/17), for speeding in Montgomery County. The motorist, who resides in the Chicago area, allegedly was in possession of 439 grams of heroin and 42 grams of cannabis, when he was pulled over for speeding. The man initially fled the traffic stop in his car, but eventually pulled over a couple miles down the interstate. The trooper who stopped the motorist suspected something may have been discarded from the vehicle during the chase and requested a K9 Unit to help search the two miles of interstate. The drugs, in ziplock and vacuum sealed bags, were found by a Montgomery County Sheriff's Office K9 along the shoulder and right ditch of the interstate, just a half mile from where the individual was first stopped. Montgomery County State's Attorney Chris Matoush officially charged the motorist with possession of heroin, possession of cannabis, speeding 11 to 14 mph over the limit, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer and failure to signal when required. The defendant was ordered held by Judge Roberts on $150,000 bond and, if convicted, faces up to a maximum of 40 years in prison.Thomack 11/23/15