177 pounds of marijuana seized

Officers from the Manila Police Department, Mississippi County Sheriff's Department, Second District Drug Task Force, and Leachville Police Department seized approximately 177 pounds of marijuana and $36,820 in U.S. currency on Monday, Aug. 15, according to Mississippi County Sheriff Leroy Meadows.

Officers were conducting surveillance of a residence on Benton Street in Manila when they observed large bundles being loaded into a pick up truck parked in the driveway.

According to the report, Manila Chief Jackie Hill and Officer Cory Harrison stopped the vehicle.

Manila officers found 45 pounds of marijuana in the truck. The driver was identified as Merced Rodriguez, 26, from Leachville. He was taken into custody.

Officers sought and executed a search warrant for the Benton Street residence.

Officers found 121 pounds of marijuana within the home, along with drug paraphernalia and firearms.

As the investigation proceeded, another home located within the Leachville area was searched. As a result of this search, another 10 pounds of marijuana and approximately $36,820 in U.S. currency was seized. Victor M. Trevino, 22, from Pharr, Texas, and Jose G. Lopez, 29, from Roma, Texas, were taken into custody in Leachville.

Both were charged with conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance (marijuana).

Rodriguez was charged with the possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with the intent to deliver and the simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms.

The marijuana was in compressed packages.

Chief Hill said he was pleased to have the joint effort of law enforcement agencies working together to keep drugs off the streets in area towns.