LIVINGSTON, Texas — A large indoor marijuana grow operation was discovered near Livingston after neighbors complained about a strong smell and unusual activity at the property, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say investigators found more than 1,500 marijuana plants inside multiple buildings during a search of the property located off U.S. Highway 59 just outside Livingston city limits.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Narcotics Division and State CID responded to complaints from nearby residents about suspicious activity at the property.
Neighbors reported repeatedly smelling marijuana and seeing frequent traffic moving in and out of the location, including vans and box trucks arriving during the early morning hours.
Investigators later made contact with Elier Jimenez, whom authorities identified as a Cuban national living at the residence.
Authorities executed a search warrant and say they discovered a large indoor marijuana cultivation operation spread across multiple buildings on the property.
According to the sheriff’s office, Jimenez was charged with possession of marijuana between 50 and 2,000 pounds, a second-degree felony under Texas law.
Sheriff Byron Lyons said marijuana remains illegal in Texas and said investigators have linked marijuana-related activity to serious crimes in Polk County.
“Although public opinions on marijuana possession may differ, it remains illegal in Texas and has been linked to several serious crimes in Polk County,” Lyons said.
The sheriff added that when illegal activity begins affecting nearby neighborhoods, the situation becomes more serious than simple marijuana possession.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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