Approximately 16,000 pounds of cannabis, seized by a joint task force operated by the Chicago Police Department, Drug Enforcement Agency and Illinois State Police, is displayed at a news conference on June 28, 2012 in Chicago. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy (L) along with other participating members of the CPD, Drug Enforcement Agency and Illinois State Police, hold a news conference to announce the seizure of approximately 16,000 pounds of cannabis on June 28, 2012 in Chicago. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Approximately 16,000 pounds of cannabis, seized by a joint task force operated by the Chicago Police Department, Drug Enforcement Agency and Illinois State Police, is displayed at a news conference on June 28, 2012 in Chicago. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

One of several hundred bales of marijuana is cut open to display some of the 16,000 pounds of cannabis seized by a joint task force operated by the Chicago Police Department, Drug Enforcement Agency and Illinois State Police at a news conference on June 28, 2012 in Chicago. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy (C) along with other participating members of the CPD, Drug Enforcement Agency and Illinois State Police, announce the seizure of approximately 16,000 pounds of cannabis on June 28, 2012 in Chicago. UPI/Brian Kersey | License Photo

CHICAGO, June 28 (UPI) -- Eight tons of seized marijuana went on display at a press conference in Chicago Thursday, a day after the City Council reduced penalties for possession.

Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said the seizure made Tuesday was the largest in the city in two decades and was part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking.


The green plastic bales of pot were shipped to Chicago from Mexico through Texas, McCarthy said. No arrests were associated with the seizure, which McCarthy valued at $40 million, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

"This represents a different level than what's happening with the gangs on the streets," McCarthy said.

The announcement came a day after the City Council voted Wednesday to allow police to ticket those caught with less than 15 grams of marijuana instead of arresting them on a misdemeanor charge.