Several traffic stops by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers along with the continuing efforts by DPS criminal investigators resulted in the seizure of $58,173 in drug money along with 16 vehicles during December, stated a press release.

All of the money seized was U.S. currency.

Several traffic stops by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers along with the continuing efforts by DPS criminal investigators resulted in the seizure of $58,173 in drug money along with 16 vehicles during December, stated a press release.

All of the money seized was U.S. currency.

One of the largest money seizures by DPS during a single traffic stop occurred Dec. 4 when a DPS officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation westbound on I-10 near Tonopah. The driver admitted to the officer he had $20,000 in U.S. currency. An area canine officer assisted with the stop and utilized his canine, which alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle the officer located $20,300 in U.S. currency and two ounces of marijuana. The vehicle, marijuana and cash were seized.

“This one traffic stop shows what law enforcement is facing in the ongoing battle against violent drug cartels doing business in Arizona. Thanks to the professionalism of these DPS officers, these arrests will help our criminal investigators follow the money that will hopefully lead to more arrests in the effort to keep our communities safe,” Roger Vanderpool, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, stated.