Major Drug Suspect in Custody in Smith County

TYLER- A man, who is said to be a local drug kingpin, is in custody in Smith County. With his attorney with him, Eduardo Ramirez Pineda, 24, of Tyler, turned himself in to authorities Friday morning. Pineda is said to be the local leader of an East Texas drug trafficking ring. He has been charged with criminal conspiracy to possess marijuana, more than 50 pounds and less than 2,000 pounds, and is being held in the Smith County jail under a $400,000 bond. The ring is believed to be connected to at least 15 marijuana fields found in the area.

The Smith County Sheriff’s office said it is still looking for Benito Duarte Ramierz, who is listed as a fugitive, and up to six other persons. They are also said to be connected to the uncovered marijuana cultivation sites in 9 East Texs counties. The sites are listed in Smith, Anderson, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Morris, Sabine, Upshur and Van Zandt counties.