Thread: TX: 3.5 Ton Drug Bust

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities in Fort Bend County say they've seized a huge amount of marijuana in a major drug bust.

During the past several months the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, which is a Houston HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Initiative, completed two narcotic investigations targeting the illegal possession and distribution of large amounts of marijuana and cocaine in Fort Bend County.

Detectives followed tip information of suspicious activities to an alleged drug operation near Needville. According to authorities, members of the Fort Bend County Task Force subsequently seized 3.5 tons of marijuana, with a street value of $3,500,000, located in the possession of the suspect, Juan Manuel Garza, 46, in the 6600 block of Beard Road. In addition to the marijuana, narcotic agents seized a tanker trailer valued at $75,000.

Garza was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana (over 2,000 pounds). His bail was set at $800,000.

In a second investigation, agents conducted surveillance on a pair of supsects, hoping to identify the source of cocaine delivered into Houston. Authorities say several hours later the suspects were seen leaving the home and were ultimately arrested in Richmond, transporting one pound of cocaine. The two suspects were identified as George Limas, Jr., 32, and Sylvia Alcalar, 42, both of Wharton.

Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force provided the Narcotics Division of the Houston Police Department this information and an additional nine pounds of Cocaine was reportedlyseized. The estimated street value of the cocaine seized is $400,000.

Limas and Alcalar were both arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance over 200 grams, a first degree felony. The bonds were set on each suspect at $60,000.

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