A 46-year-old man, identified as Emberto Dircio, is currently facing serious drug trafficking charges after allegedly receiving a package containing over a pound of cocaine at his residence located in Portage Park, according to prosecutors.

Judge James Costello has ordered that Dircio be detained, labeling him as a potential safety threat and flight risk.

Cook County prosecutors detailed in a recent detention filing that agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a shipment from Mexico that contained approximately 551 grams of cocaine, which is slightly less than 1ÂŒ pounds. The authorities obtained an anticipatory search warrant, under which they fitted the package with a tracking device, a silent alarm, and a unique substance known as “theft detection powder” before delivering it to Dircio’s home on the 5400 block of West Berteau.

The silent alarm was triggered shortly after the package was delivered, prompting agents to act as Dircio exited his residence. Prosecutors noted that a test showed Dircio’s hands were positive for the theft detection powder. Notably, he attempted to mislead officers by presenting them with a fraudulent identification card carrying a fictitious name.

Upon further investigation, authorities examined Dircio’s cell phone and discovered evidence indicating that he had received multiple packages from the same sender in Mexico, which raised suspicions about his role in drug trafficking.

Dircio faces multiple charges, including trafficking a controlled substance, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and possession of cocaine. Prosecutors conveyed to Judge Costello that they believe Dircio was actively involved in importing significant quantities of narcotics into the United States.

This incident follows a similar arrest earlier this month involving a woman from Gage Park, who was apprehended for allegedly receiving over 2œ pounds of methamphetamine and more than two pounds of cannabis from a package sent from Mexico.

See also  Francisco Cancino Mexico Spring 2025 Collection

Theft detection powder is an invisible fine powder utilized by law enforcement to connect suspects with stolen or illegal items. It is typically applied to packages, currency, or various objects as part of sting operations. Although the powder is not easily visible, it adheres to skin, clothing, or personal belongings when touched. Under specialized lighting conditions, the powder fluoresces, providing crucial evidence that links an individual to the illicit item.

In drug-related investigations, theft detection powder is commonly used in conjunction with silent alarms and tracking devices, enabling law enforcement to monitor suspicious shipments and identify who physically handled them upon delivery.

Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.


Tim Hecke is the managing partner at CWBChicago. He began his broadcasting career at KMOX, a prominent news radio station in St. Louis. His journey took him through various stations in Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York City. Tim later established syndicated radio news and content services catering to all 100 of America’s largest radio markets. He has been CWBChicago’s managing partner since 2019.

Email: tim@cwbchicago.com