On January 23^rd, the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Interdiction Team, seized $400,000 in United States currency.  Around 7pm, while monitoring westbound traffic on I-80 in Frankfort Township, they observed a black Nissan Rogue, with Arizona registration plates.  Deputies observed the vehicle make a sudden lane change without proper signaling.  A traffic stop was conducted and deputies spoke with the driver, a 49-year-old man with an Ecuadorian driver’s license.  The subject also had a Visa ID.  The subject informed deputies that he had flown into Miami on January 13^th, from Ecuador, to work for a windmill company.  The subject was visibly shaking upon speaking with deputies. 

  While the deputy was writing a warning violation for the traffic infraction, he continued questioning the subject about his previous whereabouts and his future travel plans.  The subject continued to show signs of nervousness.  A deputy with his K9 partner, Riggs, arrived on scene and completed a free air sniff on the Nissan.  Riggs positively alerted on the vehicle for the presence of narcotics.

  Upon searching the vehicle’s rear cargo-area two locked suitcases were located.  The subject provided the lock combinations and the bags were opened.  A total of $400,000 in United States currency was then discovered.   Due to the high degree of suspicion, the Will County Drug Interdiction Team seized the cash pending asset forfeiture proceedings or proof of legal ownership by the subject.   The subject was questioned and released yesterday. The investigation remains open and active.  At this time no charges have been filed.

-end-