RALEIGH – Agents with the N.C. Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement seized more than 200 pounds of marijuana valued at $168,000 and $7,000 in cash early today near the Gaston and Lincoln county line.

ALE agents arrested four suspects: Jose Jesus Ramirez, Ricardo Carrillo Polanco and Modesto Marquez Medina, all of 3035 Hunters Hope Lane, Lincolnton; and Ninfa Hinojosa of 430 North Bluff Road, Athens, Ga.

Ramirez, 23, was charged with felony maintaining a dwelling to keep and sell controlled substances; possession of drug paraphernalia; conspiracy to commit the felony of trafficking in marijuana; felony possession of marijuana and trafficking marijuana (more than 50 pounds).

Polanco, 20, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking marijuana (more than 50 pounds) and felony maintaining a dwelling to keep and sell controlled substances.

Medina, 24, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit the felony of trafficking in marijuana, trafficking marijuana (more than 50 pounds) and possess with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

Ninfa Hinojosa, 28, was charged with trafficking marijuana (more than 50 pounds) and felony possession of marijuana.

ALE agents had received complaints involving drug trafficking at a hotel and a motel. Hinojosa was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Astro van containing 110 pounds of marijuana when she was stopped. As a result of the seizure in the van, agents were led to a home at 3035 Hunters Hope Lane, Lincolnton. Agents conducted a search of the residence and found another 100 plus pounds of marijuana.

In addition to the marijuana, agents seized $7,432 in U.S. currency, a 2006 Jeep Cherokee, a 2001 GMC pick-up truck and the 2003 Chevrolet Astro.