Authorities Continue to Investigate Marijuana Fields in Smith County

SMITH COUNTY — Local and federal law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate marijuana fields in northern Smith County. KETK reports that on Wednesday, Smith County Lt. Gary Middleton said authorities have found more than 8,000 marijuana plants in one field. The other fields are currently in the process of being counted and removed. “I personally have never seen fields like this. One thing that makes it unique is that we do run across small patches of marijuana fields out in our woods in East Texas because it’s a great place to hide it, but as far as the irrigation system and the tents where the people were living to take care of the plants, that was pretty unusual,” said Middleton.

On Monday, narcotics deputies discovered a marijuana field following a tip in the area of I-20 and FM 2015. A man was spotted Tuesday morning watering the field of plants. As authorities approached the person, he ran from deputies. Sheriff Larry Smith said the person was a Hispanic male. No arrests have been made at this time.

Middleton warns citizens to stay away from fields and call for help if one is found. “They could be scattered out.” says Middleton. “I have no doubt there’s more in the East Texas area, so if you do come across a field like that, it’s not unusual for them to be booby trapped, and somebody there guarding them. So the safest thing to do is back out and call law enforcement.”