12 facing drug trafficking charges in Texas, New Mexico

Authorities say 12 people are facing charges after an investigation targeting marijuana traffickers and money launderers operating in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas.

Teams of federal, state, county and local law enforcement officers participated in the operation that included arrests Monday mainly in El Paso and Lubbock, Texas and Roswell, New Mexico.

The operation also included the execution of federal search warrants at six residences in Texas and one residence in New Mexico.

Authorities say about 75 pounds of marijuana was seized and more than $22,000 in cash during the course of the investigation.

Law enforcement officers on Monday reported seizing about 40 pounds of marijuana, some $70,000 in cash, 14 vehicles, including a motorcycle and an ATV, and 16 firearms including one reported stole