Drug money seized during North Carolina traffic stop: sheriff

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (WJZY) — More than $420,000 in cash from criminal activity was seized from three Chinese nationals, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 22, officers stopped a vehicle and discovered that each of the three occupants had a large amount of cash. The three men said they did not know where the money came from or who it belonged to.

Investigators say the money comes from the illegal drug trade and other crimes in the United States.

The Sheriff’s Office questioned the three Chinese nationals and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was requested to assist. The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities have not said what charges the men could face or where exactly the traffic stop took place.

Sheriff Campbell said, “This investigation is a reminder of the proactive and ongoing efforts by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office to combat drug and currency smuggling throughout Iredell County, and it is a reminder egregious in the way the proceeds of illegal activities pass through our highways. almost daily.

The Sheriff’s Office’s Interstate Criminal Enforcement (ICE) team was responsible for the traffic stop. The team is trained in drug and currency trafficking techniques, as well as searching for hidden compartments in vehicles.

This team often assists other agencies and participates in training law enforcement on these techniques.