A Livingston man is in the Polk County Jail on a $100,000 bond following law enforcement’s discovery of an indoor marijuana grow operation.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, with assistance from the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, executed a search warrant Wednesday at a residence located off FM 943 in Livingston.
During execution of the search warrant, investigators located a sophisticated indoor grow operation on the property. Investigators recovered a large amount of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $100,000.
One of the residents located at the home, identified as Alexander Vega, admitted to growing the marijuana. Vega was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, greater than 50 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds, a second-degree felony.
Due to the potential risks associated with chemicals and materials commonly used in indoor marijuana grow operations, members of the state’s methamphetamine initiative group (MIG), a Houston HIDTA initiative, responded to assist with the removal of the plants and to help identify chemicals located on the property.
During the investigation, additional names were discovered, and more suspects may be charged in this case as the process continues.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division has also initiated asset forfeiture proceedings and intends to seek seizure of the land, residences, and two vehicles believed to have been used in furtherance of the grow operation.
“This investigation is another example of the dedication and persistence of our narcotics division and our law enforcement partners,” Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons said. “Indoor grow operations are not simple marijuana cases. These operations can involve large amounts of drugs, dangerous chemicals, electrical hazards, and organized criminal activity. Our office will continue to aggressively investigate narcotics trafficking in Polk County and hold those responsible accountable.”
Chief deputy Anthony Lowrie echoed Lyons’ statements.
“The successful execution of this search warrant reflects strong teamwork between our narcotics division, patrol division, criminal investigation division, and our partners with the Texas Department of Public Safety,” Lowrie said. “These cases require coordination, planning, and attention to safety, due to the risks involved with indoor grow operations. We remain committed to disrupting drug trafficking operations and protecting the citizens of Polk County.”
Scam uses PCSO employee name
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a current scam in which someone calls citizens portraying themselves as Gary Wright with the PCSO. The individual tells victims there are civil papers and legal process to be served and payment is required.
Deputy Gary Wright handles the civil process at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. However, he will inform no one that they owe money to be served, nor attempt to take payment when serving the legal process.
Those who receive a call of this nature are asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 936-327-6810.
