FOX8 Staff Writer 10:39 a.m. EST, January 25, 2012




REIDSVILLE, N.C. (WGHP)—
Three illegal immigrants were arrested Tuesday after authorities seized about 1,100 lbs. of marijuana in Rockingham County, according to a news release from Sheriff Sam Page.
Esteban Valentin Rojas, 30, Jose De Jesus Villa, 24, and Jose Manuel Bahena, 23, were each arrested after authorities found an estimated 1,100 lbs. of marijuana and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash at a home at 161 Cole Road, Page said.
The marijuana has an estimated street value of $660,000, Page said. A single gun, a 2004 Nissan Titan, a Jeep Liberty, and a small amount of cocaine were among other items seized, Page said.

(Left to right) Esteban Valentin Rojas, 30, Jose De Jesus Villa, 24, and Jose Manuel Bahena, 23
Page said the suspects are confirmed illegal immigrants from Mexico. Each has been jailed in Rockingham County under $1 million bonds. They are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 9.
"This is a perfect example of how our porous U.S. southern borders affects Rockingham County, not just the Border States," Page said. "This is why I will continue to fight for increased security of our national borders. I would like to commend all those involved in this effort for a job well done."
Page said deputies worked with the N.C. Highway Patrol and the DEA in the investigation. No other details about the investigation were released.

1,100 Lbs. of Pot, Hundreds of Thousands in Cash Seized in Reidsville - WGHP