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ROCKFORD - The Rockfordian joined undercover officers on an operation to bust the largest drug deal that the City of Rockford has seen. Captain Wesley Lawrence arranged, with the aid of a confidential informant, for the deal with his CI posing as a Russian buyer looking to expand the narcotic sales industry into Rockford. 

The Rockfordian was told that the CI came into contact with a high profile cocaine producer through the use of coded messages scattered around the city, locations which were provided through anonymous tips. He posed as a middleman between the producer and the Russian Mafia, building trust before finally offering a contract for the sale and delivery of 50 kilos of pure cocaine.

A compliant producer agreed to meet the CI behind Grace General Hospital at precisely 20:00 on a Friday evening. Captain Lawrence and his partner were positioned nearby, waiting for the CI's signal. The plan was for the producer to drive his truck through the hospital garage; the doors would automatically close behind him leaving only one route for escape and entry. 

As soon as the CI caught sight of the merchandise, he signalled to the Captain to execute the next part of the plan. With sirens blazing, two police vehicles rolled up, blocking the only route of escape for the busted dealer. Knowing that it was over, he surrendered to the authorities yet refused to produce valid ID when requested - at one point he denied owning or even driving the truck carrying the cargo. 

But that wasn't all, when the officers broke into the back of the truck they discovered much more than the cocaine. Weapons, ammunition, and modifications - enough to arm a small militia.

With the city's largest drug deal successfully busted, Captain Wesley Lawrence received the Meritorious Police Duty medal for his valuable service to the Rockford Police Department.

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