South Texas police officer arrested on drug counts, fired

RIO GRANDE CITY, TX -- A South Texas police detective has been arrested on drug trafficking charges after investigators say he tipped off dealers to law enforcement activity.

Court records show Ramon DeLaCruz Jr. remains in custody pending a federal detention hearing Thursday in McAllen. Rio Grande City police Chief Noe Castillo says DeLaCruz was fired Monday after about two years on the force.

DeLaCruz was arrested Friday on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. The complaint says DeLaCruz helped dealers distribute more than a ton of marijuana, including some pot stolen and redistributed after being reported as a drug seizure.

Investigators also accuse the now-ex-officer of hiding guns that allegedly were used in drug-related crimes.

An attorney for DeLaCruz didn't immediately return a message for comment Tuesday.