KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division eradicated approximately 2,500 marijuana plants in Kaufman County earlier today with the use of helicopters.
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division eradicated approximately 2,500 marijuana plants in Kaufman County earlier today with the use of helicopters.
The marijuana operation was located in between Forney, Texas, and Terrell, Texas, in Kaufman County just north of U.S. Highway 80 near Spur 557. Authorities removed approximately 2,500 plants, according to Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lonny Haschel.
Helicopters were used to remove the plants from the heavily wooded area near High Point Creek. Agents on the ground used four-wheelers and a UTV to access the area of the grow operation.
The operation was part of an ongoing domestic marijuana eradication program, stated Haschel. The plants were removed and will be destroyed at an approved facility.
DPS works with the Texas National Guard, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Air Wing, and DPS aircraft for aerial reconnaissance and also works alongside the DEA's Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program. This type of investigation isn't uncommon, especially during the summer months, stated Haschel.
A similar operation was conducted on July 25, 2014, near I-20 and Farm-to-Market (FM) 740 near the Trinity River bottoms. DPS was unable to release any information concerning this operation citing an ongoing investigation.
DPS is also continuing its investigation into the operation today.
Individuals with information about marijuana cultivation are encouraged to contact the Texas Marijuana Hotline to report such activities at 1(800) 868-6274. Rewards are possible for information that leads to the seizure of marijuana.
