HSI seizes nearly 5,600 pounds of marijuana from south Texas home

LAREDO, Texas — Nearly 5,600 pounds of marijuana was seized on Tuesday from a residence on the 4500 block of Hachar Lane in Laredo. The seized marijuana has a street value of about $4.4 million.

The marijuana totaling 5,591 pounds was seized by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Task Force Officers of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), and Laredo Police Department.

HSI received information indicating that a large amount of marijuana was being concealed inside the house on Hachar Lane. When special agents arrived at the residence they determined that the marijuana was left there for a later pickup.

"The seizure of nearly 5,600 pounds of marijuana dealt a big blow to the criminal organization involved in this drug smuggling venture," said Special Agent in Charge Janice Ayala, HSI San Antonio. These criminals lost their illicit product and the profits from their planned sale and distribution. The evidence collected at the scene will assist our investigation to dismantle the entire organization."

This marijuana seizure represents the very early stages of this investigation. No arrests have been made related to this drug seizure.

The HIDTA Webb County Task Force includes members from the Webb County Sheriff's Department, Zapata County Sheriff's Department, Laredo Police Department and Texas National Guard. Webb County District Attorney's Investigator also assisted with this investigation.