DPS: Authorities Raid Pot Field near Tyler

TYLER — Criminal Investigations Division (CID) agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety say they’ve seized approximately 700 marijuana plants from an outdoor location off FM 2016 near Smith County Road 427. According to a DPS news release, CID agents received an anonymous tip describing a possible grow site earlier this week. Investigators say they utilized DPS aircraft to pinpoint the exact location of the outdoor grow, and then conducted a joint eradication operation.

Other agencies involved included the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, U.S. Attorney’s Office (Eastern District), ICE/HIS, Smith County District Attorney’s Office, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. No arrests have been made at this time, but the investigation is ongoing. Authorities say individuals with information about possible marijuana cultivation – indoor or outdoor – are encouraged report such activities to law enforcement officials.