Federal agents, along with members of the Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Harris and Ft. Bend counties sheriff offices, arrested three men, after a months-long investigation uncovered a large marijuana operation.

James Nguyen, 36, of Richmond, Phuong Thien Nguyen, 31 and Chung Van Nguyen, 29, both of Houston, have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, after law enforcement found more than 400 plants at locations in Houston and Tomball. An outstanding warrant remains in effect for Truong Van Nguyen, 36, of Houston.

Photo: This house on Stamford Oaks Drive, just south of the Tomball city limits, was raided by federal and local law enforcement, as part of an investigation into a marijuana growing operation. About 270 plants were found inside.

 Federal agents from the DEA spent several months watching a warehouse located on Tanner Road in Houston. The accused were allegedly observed coming and going from the location and purchasing items consistent with marijuana cultivation. The observations led them to several locations, including a house on Stamford Oaks Drive in Tomball.

A search conducted in late October found 171 marijuana plants at the Tanner Road location, as well as a sophisticated setup to grow the plants hydroponically. Agents then raided the home in Tomball, where they found another growth operation and seized 270 plants. In addition, several thousand dollars in U.S. currency and several firearms were found during a search of another home in Richmond. Businesses registered to James Nguyen, Ultimate Hydroponics and Smoochees, in Houston, were raided as well.

The three that have been arrested were ordered to remain in the custody of federal officials by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Milloy, pending further hearings. If convicted the men face a maximum of 40 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines.

The arrests were the result of an investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. The team continues to search for Truong Nguyen. The DEA asks that anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Truong Nguyen call 713-693-3000.

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