A team was dogs were sent out after one of the suspects. After an eight-hour search covering a wide area through several roads and highways, the dogs were able to apprehend the first suspect.

A Hispanic male matching the description of the second suspect was spotted by homeowners late Thursday afternoon on CR 319, about 2 miles north of Broaddus High School. Sheriff Cartwright called in TDC tracking teams and a fixed wing plane from DPS that was equipped with thermal cameras.

Dogs were also sent after him, but they were never able to pick up the scent. The plane was also not able to locate the suspect due to how heavily wooded the area was. The search for him was abandoned on Friday morning.

DEA agents and deputies with the sheriff’s office confiscated over 23,000 plants in the grow site. They were airlifted and taken to a secure site nearby where they were buried. The destruction of the plants was under the supervision of the US Forest Service, DEA and Sheriff Cartwright.

Agencies that were involved in the operation included US Fores Service, DEA Eradication team, DPS Highway Patrol, TPWD Game Wardens, San Augustine Police Department and the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office.