Alleged Large-Scale Marijuana Dealer Arrested In Hobbs, NM
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: February 5, 2013
HOBBS, NM -- A man is accused of dealing large amounts of marijuana in southeast New Mexico and West Texas.
Anthony Cabrera was arrested on February 1st.
The arrest came after an extensive investigation by agents of the Lea County Drug Task Force into alleged drug distribution operations by Cabrera.
Hobbs Police first zeroed in on Cabrera, 30, after they were called to a home in the 200 block of West Gold Avenue for a suspicious activity call.
An officer reportedly smelled marijuana on the scene, and police conducted a search warrant on the home.
Officers reportedly found about 27 pounds of high grade marijuana, $6,500 in U.S. currency and 4 handguns in the home.
One of the handguns in the home had reportedly been reported as stolen by the Hobbs Police Department.
Agents say the marijuana has a street value of approximately $302,400.
The Lea County Drug Task Force took over the investigation, and agents determined that Cabrera distributed 50 to 100 pound loads of marijuana to buyers in Lea County, NM and West Texas every 30 to 45 days.
While executing a search warrant on a vehicle associated with the investigation, agents reportedly found $141,996 in U.S. currency inside.
Agents say that the currency was supposed to be taken to California as payment for the shipments of marijuana.
Agents also determined that 2 other vehicles were used to bring loads of marijuana to Southeast New Mexico and West Texas.
Both vehicles were reportedly purchased with drug proceeds.
The vehicles and the currency were seized and are pending forfeiture proceedings.
Now, Cabrera is charged with one count of distribution of marijuana (4th degree felony) and one count of felon in possession of a firearm (4th degree felony).
As of Tuesday evening, Cabrera was being held in the Lea County Detention Center on $10,000 bond.
Anthony Cabrera was arrested on February 1st.
The arrest came after an extensive investigation by agents of the Lea County Drug Task Force into alleged drug distribution operations by Cabrera.
Hobbs Police first zeroed in on Cabrera, 30, after they were called to a home in the 200 block of West Gold Avenue for a suspicious activity call.
An officer reportedly smelled marijuana on the scene, and police conducted a search warrant on the home.
Officers reportedly found about 27 pounds of high grade marijuana, $6,500 in U.S. currency and 4 handguns in the home.
One of the handguns in the home had reportedly been reported as stolen by the Hobbs Police Department.
Agents say the marijuana has a street value of approximately $302,400.
The Lea County Drug Task Force took over the investigation, and agents determined that Cabrera distributed 50 to 100 pound loads of marijuana to buyers in Lea County, NM and West Texas every 30 to 45 days.
While executing a search warrant on a vehicle associated with the investigation, agents reportedly found $141,996 in U.S. currency inside.
Agents say that the currency was supposed to be taken to California as payment for the shipments of marijuana.
Agents also determined that 2 other vehicles were used to bring loads of marijuana to Southeast New Mexico and West Texas.
Both vehicles were reportedly purchased with drug proceeds.
The vehicles and the currency were seized and are pending forfeiture proceedings.
Now, Cabrera is charged with one count of distribution of marijuana (4th degree felony) and one count of felon in possession of a firearm (4th degree felony).
As of Tuesday evening, Cabrera was being held in the Lea County Detention Center on $10,000 bond.
