DPS troopers seized nearly 4.5 tons of marijuana Monday afternoon after stopping a tanker truck in Jim Hogg County.

The 8,932 pounds of marijuana is valued at $4.5 million and was packed in 864 bundles. The truck, bearing fictitious markings, was stopped heading eastbound at 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon on Highway 285, about three miles east of Hebbronville.

Investigators believe the vehicle was traveling from Starr County and was possibly destined for Houston.

Driver Reynaldo Hovey Jr. of La Joya was arrested. The 24-year-old South Texan is scheduled for a Laredo federal court appearance on federal drug possession charges.

This is the second largest marijuana seizure by DPS during a routine traffic stop since 1997.