Investigators seize nearly 200 ounds of pot

SAN BENITO - Investigators seized nearly 200 pounds of marijuana in 14 bundles from a vehicle this past week.

Two men were arrested on charges of possession of marijuana in the case that was investigated by the Harlingen Police Department and the Cameron County Sheriff's Department.

Harlingen police and sheriff's deputies were investigating 22-year-old Leeroy Hernandez, a police report states.

On Wednesday, officers saw Hernandez driving a Nissan passenger car with Alfredo Rodriguez, 26, in the passenger seat, according to the report. The car was parked at the intersection of Sam Houston Boulevard and Espinoza Road in San Benito.

Rodriguez got out of the car and into a Ford Expedition that was parked behind the car, the report states. The Expedition then drove to Hernandez's home in the 20000 block of Espinosa Road, police said.

Officials saw the Expedition's back door open and a few minutes later, the Expedition left the area followed by a Ford Bronco, the report states.

The Bronco sped away when a marked Cameron County Sheriff's Department car pulled over the Expedition, the report states. The Bronco was not located.

Sheriff's Department officials received permission from Rodriguez to search the vehicle, where officers found 199.2 pounds of marijuana, the report states.

Officials also arrested Hernandez because the Expedition left his home, and during the arrest, found a .40-caliber Browning pistol under the driver's seat of the Nissan, according to the report.

Hernandez may face gun charges, which are being investigated, the report states.