Man arrested after large marijuana grow discovered near Livingston

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRE) - Sheriff Byron Lyons’ office reports the discovery of a large marijuana operation outside Livingston.

On Tuesday, May 5, the sheriff’s office narcotics division, along with State criminal investigators, responded to repeated complaints coming from people in an area located off US Highway 59 just outside the Livingston city limits regarding the persistent smell of marijuana, as well as the frequent arrival of vans and box trucks in the early morning hours to a certain location.

Investigators discovered a large indoor marijuana cultivation operation, the sheriff’s office said. They spoke with Elier Jimenez, 55, a Cuban national, who lived at the residence on the property. A search warrant was executed on the property by the sheriff’s office. They say they located a large quantity of marijuana plants, over 1500, spread among multiple buildings on the property. They arrested Jimenez and he was charged with possession of marijuana between 50 and 2,000 pounds, a second-degree felony in Texas.

Sheriff Lyons stated that though public opinions on marijuana may vary, it remains illegal in Texas and has been linked to several serious crimes in Polk County. He added that when illegal activity begins impacting surrounding neighborhoods, the issue extends beyond simple marijuana possession.