Sgt. Jim Winters calls it one of the most significant cocaine investigations in recent months.

The investigation by the North Central Narcotics Task Force, which Winters supervises, and the Sycamore Police Department led to the confiscation of three-quarters of a kilogram of cocaine and three-quarters of a pound of cannabis.

“The amount we seized was above average,” Winters said.

Christian Acevedo, 40, of Belvidere, and Jose Estrada, 53, of Elgin, were arrested Monday in Sycamore by the task force.

When arrested, the two men allegedly possessed 255 grams of suspected cocaine.

During the arrests, the task force assisted by Sycamore police also arrested John Runge, 49, of Belvidere on three outstanding and unrelated Kane county warrants – one for contempt of court and two counts of failure to appear in court for violating an order of protection.

After making the arrests, agents completed a search of Acevedo’s home. This search resulted in the seizure of an additional 571 grams of suspected cocaine, 302 grams of suspected cannabis and $1,000.

The amount of seized cocaine is estimated at $35,000 and the cannabis about $800, said Sgt. Joann Davis, of the Illinois State Police.

Task force and Sycamore police officials took all three men to the DeKalb County Jail. On Tuesday, Kane County officials transported Runge to the Kane County Jail, where he is being held. Acevedo and Estrada remain at the DeKalb County Jail.

Winters said no further charges against Runge are being sought at this time.

Also on Tuesday, the task force arrested Oscar Salazar, 52, of Elgin, for his alleged connection with Acevedo and Estrada. Salazar also is being held at the DeKalb County Jail.

Acevedo and Estrada were charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. If convicted, both men could face nine to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Salazar is charged with delivery, manufacturing or possession with intent to deliver cannabis and criminal drug conspiracy.

Winters added that investigations will continue and additional charges will be sought in Boone County.

Bond for all three men held at the DeKalb County Jail is set at $1.5 million each. Each man is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. May 3 at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.