1,500 pounds of marijuana seized in Lake County

LAKE COUNTY — Following the lead from an anonymous tip, Indiana State Police seized 1,500 pounds of marijuana earlier this week. Through several traffic stops, the ISP seized 500 pounds of marijuana. A further investigation brought officers to a Hammond residence. Police found an additional 1,000 pounds in the basement of the home. 25-year-old Juan Torres of Hammond, 20-year-old Samuel Garcia of Chicago and 48-year-old Santiago Barbosa of Chicago were booked into the Lake County Jail in Crown Point. They were all charged with dealing marijuana over 10 pounds, a class C felony. The estimated street value of the marijuana is $1.2 million.