ECTOR COUNTY, Texas —
10 people have been arrested after the Ector County Sheriff’s Office found stolen vehicles and marijuana in West Odessa, according to sheriff Mike Griffis.
"At least three vehicles, a trailer, a box truck and a field work truck had all had false compartments." Said Griffis.
The compartments could be used for a variety of reasons.
The Sheriff said, "They're probably smuggling drugs and illegal immigrants, we haven't confirmed that but all of the compartments are big enough to transport humans, and or narcotics."
Deputies were called out to Canyon and Swan. When they got to the scene, they discovered 16 stolen vehicles and approximately 350 pounds of marijuana.
Many of the vehicles recovered are from Colorado.
The initial investigation revealed that the Ector County Sheriff's Office got a call from a man who said someone was stealing his BBQ trailer in South Odessa. The man followed the suspect to West Odessa where the stolen vehicles and drugs were found.
"This is probably just one hub for a bigger network for this operation." Said Griffis.
The 10 people are being questioned by ICE agents to find out if they are undocumented. Six people are in federal custody.
Sheriff Griffis said he believes the group has been stealing vehicles and trailers for some time, and hopes this leads to a bigger bust that they can stop.
We will update this story when more details are made available