Marijuana Field Discovered in Smith County

SMITH COUNTY — One man has been arrested, several others are sought following the bust of a major marijuana growing operation. According to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, Erick Cruz-Olemedo, 31, Guerrero, Mexico, was taken into custody Monday and is being held on a Federal Immigration Customs Enforcement detainer with additional state and federal charges expected. Authorities said, an anonymous tip led them to three fields of marijuana, including three to four thousand plants, some reaching up to nine feet tall. About 6 to 8 pounds were ready for sale.

The fields were located in the area of County Road 26 and County Road 244 on the east side of the county. At least 3 men were at the camp when SWAT members approached. One person dropped his gun and left before officers were able to arrest him. The search continued for the other two individuals for several hours but no one else was taken into custody. Drug dogs were called in and assisted the sheriff’s office with the investigation. A helicopter from the Drug Enforcement Administration was also used in this operation. The investigation is ongoing.