MERCER COUNTY Police seize cash hidden in 2 cars

Police seized nearly $60,000 in cash in two traffic stops.
MERCER, Pa. -- Pennsylvania State Police said traffic violations led them to the seizure of suspected drug trafficking money from two cars on Interstate 80.
Trooper Mark Gladysz made both traffic stops, one for tailgating and the second for speeding and having an obstructed windshield, police said.
The first stop occurred in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 in Findley Township around 1:30 p.m. March 26 when Gladysz spotted the car tailgating another vehicle.
He stopped the car and became suspicious of the two occupants. He said he then asked the driver for consent to search the vehicle.
The driver agreed, and a drug-sniffing dog from the Mercer County sheriff's office was called to the scene.
The dog led officers to a hidden compartment in the floor of the car.
Police secured a search warrant and said they found $48,980 in cash in that compartment.
The driver and his passenger, from Paterson, N.J., and Bronx, New York City, both denied any knowledge of the money, police said.
The cash and car were seized but no charges were filed against the driver or passenger.
Charges possible: The second stop occurred shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday in the eastbound lanes of I-80 in Findley Township.
Police said the car was registered to someone in Cleveland but was occupied by two residents of the Bronx, New York City.
Again, consent was gained from the driver to search the car and police said they found $11,000 in a suitcase. Police said a strong odor of marijuana was present in two suitcases and the driver eventually admitted transporting marijuana from New York City to Cleveland on a commercial airline.
Police said the money was seized and criminal charges may be filed against the driver later.