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Agents raid home, find nearly 2 tons of pot

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Thursday raided a home in an “upscale” neighborhood, seizing nearly two tons of marijuana.

The 3,000-square-foot house on an acre-plus lot was used by people repackaging marijuana and shipping it to other states, said Michael Donofrio, acting special agent in charge of ICE’s Tucson office.

Agents who seized the marijuana and other items during a search of the house have no suspects and are asking for the public’s help.

The house is in the 10100 block of North Camino de Oeste, just south of West Tangerine Road.

Agents also seized two vehicles, a currency counter, numerous records and documents and a machine used to wrap the marijuana for shipment, the agency said in a news statement Tuesday.

Agents believe the home was used by a group involved in a large-scale smuggling scheme.

“This type of criminal activity jeopardizes the quality of life in our neighborhoods and puts residents at risk,” Donofrio said.

The agents went to the house after receiving tips and obtained a search warrant after smelling marijuana, the agency said.

When agents arrived, no one was there, the agency said.

Donofrio said the house was rented. The home’s owner, who has not been interviewed, is believed to be an innocent third party, Donofrio said. He said the renters have not been identified and may have paid the rent under a phony name.

ICE agents are asking that anyone with information about the marijuana, the house or its visitors call 229-5100.

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