On March 2, at approximately 1300 hours, a CHP Officer stopped a Washington plated, silver Chevy Impala for tinted windows. The stop occurred on southbound I-5 at the John Erreca Rest Stop.

The vehicle was occupied by female driver and a male passenger. During the course of the stop the officer noted several indicators of criminal activity. CHP K-9 Officer “Laika” was called in to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. Laika gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics.

The Officer asked for and was granted written consent to search the vehicle. During the search the officer located a false wall built between the trunk and the rear seat. The wall was held in place by two electronically controlled trunk latches. Once access to the compartment was gained, approximately $167,840 in U.S. currency was located.

The currency was wrapped in dryer sheets and heat sealed. This is a tactic used in an attempt to fool K9’s. Both the driver and the passenger denied any knowledge of the currency and signed disclaimer forms. It is believed that the currency was derived from the sale of narcotics and was seized. Both subjects were place under arrest and charges are pending.