Two California women have been charged after authorities say they were captured transporting substantial amounts of suspected cocaine through Chicago O’Hare International Airport this week.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the investigation began with an intelligence tip, which led officers to watch inbound flights from Los Angeles.
Nancy Ramos, 20, of Huntington Park, California, was identified by DEA personnel on January 5, 2026, after arriving at O’Hare.
According to investigators, Ramos cooperated with a search of her checked bags after a narcotics-detecting dog detected probable drugs within. During the search, officers claimed to have uncovered approximately 13 kilograms (almost 29 pounds) of suspected cocaine hidden in her baggage.
Vanessa Perez, 27, of Los Angeles, was later discovered by agents after arriving at O’Hare. Authorities said a consensual search of her checked luggage turned up an extra nine kilograms (almost 20 pounds) of suspected cocaine.
Both ladies have been charged in state court with manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.
According to court records, Judge Shauna Boliker denied Ramos’ detention petition and ordered her release under electronic monitoring. Prosecutors did not seek custody for Perez. Judge Antara Rivera freed her pending trial.
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