NEWTON, N.C. -- Police officers from Conover, Hickory and Newton seized more than $200,000 worth of marijuana and cocaine in a 24 hour period. It's the largest drug bust in recent memory.

But for some officers the drugs are only part of the problem. They also worry about the people transporting them.

Police said they seized 80 pounds of marijuana from the homes of two illegal immigrants.

"We figure somewhere in the neighborhood of 80 percent of our major drug traffickers are Hispanic,” said an undercover officer.

But it's not a localized problem.

Last month, Iredell County Sheriff's Deputies seized a large amount of methamphetamine also from illegal immigrants.

"It's steadily increasing; that's my experience,” the officer said.

What's worse, officers said, is that many of these illegal immigrants are receiving government aid while they are trafficking drugs.

"When we enter these homes, we do find evidence that they are receiving government assistance to help deal with their children and wives,” said the undercover officer.

Police said only about 2 percent of the immigrant population in Catawba County is involved in criminal activities.

But those activities take up a majority of the law enforcement's resources.

That's why officers hope major busts like this one will send a message to other drug traffickers.

"Every little bit makes a difference. Quantities like this is certainly more than a street level,” said Newton Police Capt. Don Brown.

Adrian Rodriguez, 30, is now behind bars in connection with the drug bust and police have yet to identify a second suspect they arrested.

Deportation procedures are underway for both men.

The third suspect, who is still on the loose, is Adrian's brother, Oscar Rodriguez.

If you have any information regarding his whereabouts you are asked to contact the Newton Police Department.