WORTHINGTON -- A routine traffic stop a week ago may turn into a major windfall for local state troopers after the legal process is complete.
A Minnesota Highway Patrol Trooper pulled over a truck towing a car trailer Feb. 17 on Interstate 90 in Nobles County because of driving concerns. The driver's behavior struck the trooper as unusual, and eventually the vehicle was searched. Approximately $187,000 was found.
The adult male who was driving claimed not to know anything about the cash. He was detained and questioned extensively by the trooper and even signed a disclaimer of ownership on the money. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was called in, but the man was released before the DEA had a chance to question him.
"It was a lone man en route to Eugene, Ore., or somewhere in Oregon," said DEA Agent Kent Bailey of the Minneapolis Field Office. "He denied knowledge of the money. We believe he was on his way to the West Coast to purchase drugs."
The DEA sees this kind of thing all the time, Bailey added. It is unknown what kind of drugs the man might have been preparing to purchase or his exact destination.
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Local bankers were called to count and verify the cash amount before it was seized. The DEA confiscated the cash and will start legalities for the seizure process.
Bailey said he doubted the man would try to reclaim the money, fearing legal charges. After being released, the man went to Sioux Falls, S.D., rented a car and left the area.
If the seizure process goes as hoped, 80 percent of the funds may end up belonging to the local division of the Minnesota Highway Patrol.
"They can use it to fund overtime, things like that," Bailey said.
The DEA agent said state troopers are experienced at determining when a driver is simply nervous about being stopped or worried about being caught at something illegal. He said it was hard to explain how an experienced law enforcement officer knows the difference.
"They look or act guilty," he said. "Troopers are very good at this. If the drivers have something to hide, they usually give it away."
When nervous behavior leads to suspicion, Bailey further explained, a K-9 unit is normally deployed, and eventually a search ensues.
