🚨 Truck Driver Sentenced to 11 Years for Transporting $2.5 Million in Cocaine

In a stark reminder of the intersection between commercial transportation and criminal activity, a California-based truck driver has been sentenced to eleven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transporting more than 91 kilograms of cocaine across state lines.

On April 28, 2025, Ronald Coleman, 45, of Barstow, California, was sentenced in the Northern District of Illinois for possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine — a federal offense under U.S. drug trafficking statutes.

📍 The Arrest

The case stems from an April 2023 traffic stop on Interstate 88 near Morrison, Illinois, when Illinois State Police, with assistance from a canine unit, pulled over Coleman’s commercial vehicle. A search of the truck led to the discovery of two suitcases filled with cocaine, ultimately weighing over 91 kilograms, an estimated street value of $2.5 million.

Following the discovery, Coleman was taken into custody and later entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

💬 Coleman’s Admission

As part of the plea deal, Coleman admitted full knowledge of the drug load and disclosed that he was transporting the cocaine to a warehouse in Chicago, where he intended to exchange the narcotics for cash. His plan, according to authorities, involved hauling the money back to California.

In addition to the trafficking charges, Coleman admitted to carrying a firearm throughout the trip, stating that it was intended to protect himself, the cocaine, and the cash. Authorities confirmed that he expected to be financially compensated for completing the transaction.

🤝 Law Enforcement Collaboration

The case was investigated by federal officials in collaboration with the Illinois State Police, showcasing successful interstate coordination in drug interdiction involving commercial vehicles.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois led the prosecution, and federal sentencing guidelines were applied due to the large quantity of narcotics and presence of a weapon during the commission of the crime.

🚛 Industry Implications

This case serves as a critical reminder to fleet owners, brokers, and carriers to remain vigilant about who is behind the wheel. While the overwhelming majority of drivers are professional and law-abiding, incidents like this highlight the potential for misuse of commercial equipment in criminal operations.

Red flags like unusual routing, unscheduled stops, suspicious cargo instructions, or changes in communication protocols must always be investigated and reported.

📣 Final Thoughts from Safety Lane

Transportation professionals operate at the front lines of both commerce and compliance. The sentence handed to Ronald Coleman is not just a legal consequence — it is a call to action for the industry to maintain high hiring standards and vetting protocols and to report irregularities immediately.

CellEx Consulting Group offers background screening, compliance training, and drug & alcohol consortium services to help ensure your fleet remains safe, lawful, and reputable.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Stay professional. Safety Lane Magazine – Delivering news that moves the industry forward.