April 06, 2003 Johnston County, North Carolina
2 Hispanics arrested with almost 300 pounds of marijuana

Johnston County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division, assisted by the Sheriff's Special Tactics and Response Team, SBI and US Customs agents, and the District Attorney's Office, executed a search warrant of a residence located in the Sundance Ranch in the Brogden Community of Johnston County.

During the search, officers located almost 300 lbs. of marijuana, as well as high volume digital scales, an air vacuum sealing machine, and other packaging materials. Also located in the residence was a specially designed hydraulic press and press box, used in the commercial processing and distribution of large amounts of cocaine and marijuana.

Two Hispanic males who had been under surveillance for some time, were taken into custody at a local business at the same time that the search warrant was executed at the residence.

During this on-going investigation, 55 grams of powder cocaine was purchased several months ago, having a street value of approximately $6,000. The seized marijuana, having a street value of $878,000, was commercially compressed, packaged and wrapped for distribution on the streets of Johnston County. Also seized was a 1998 Dodge Intrepid and over $1,200 in cash.

Gilberto Hernandez-Aburto 22 years old and Enrique Garica-Hernandez 21 years old were arrested for trafficking in Marijuana.

Source: Johnston County Sheriff's Office