HARLINGEN — A San Benito man has been arrested after a search and seizure found him in possession of large quantities of drugs.
Early yesterday morning investigators with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office Special Investigations Unit conducted a search and seizure warrant at a Harlingen motel.
They arrested San Benito native Matthew Zuniga, 30.
He was found in possession of three pounds of hydroponic marijuana and drug paraphernalia consistent with a person that is processing bulk amounts of narcotics for street level distribution.
Investigators estimate the wholesale value of hydroponic marijuana is $3,500 a pound.
According to the evidence, the bulk amount of hydroponic marijuana was purchased in Colorado and shipped to Texas for distribution.
Investigators believe Zuniga is a member of a distribution network operating in the northern Cameron County area.
Recent investigator intelligence shows there is a greater demand for higher grade marijuana and several people have been engaging in south bound shipments of high grade marijuana.
Hydroponically grown marijuana is more potent than the average field cultivated marijuana. It has a higher THC level, and thus is sold on the streets for a higher amount than the average “Mexican Grow.”
It’s estimated the Hydroponic Marijuana is selling for $400 an ounce.
Zuniga has been taken into custody to await charges including distributing marijuana within a drug free zone.
The investigation is ongoing.
