(NOVEMBER 04, 2015) — A WHP traffic stop on Halloween near Rock Springs, Wyoming has netted over $138,000 in seized cash.
The stop occurred on October 31st around 10:00 a.m. on Interstate 80 near mile post 107 westbound just east of Rock Springs. A 2015 Chevy Malibu was stopped for speeding 80 mph in a 75 mph zone.
Confusing and conflicting stories from the occupants of the Malibu led to a WHP K-9 deployment around the car. After the K-9 alerted to the presence of a controlled substance in the Chevy, a search revealed two large boxes containing the large quantity of cash as well as a small amount of methamphetamine.
Tong Xiong, a 37 year old female resident of Oroville, California, was cited for possession of a misdemeanor amount of suspected methamphetamine. Her and the other two occupants in the Chevy were released at the conclusion of the initial investigation.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted Patrol with the case and have taken over custody of the currency. The seized currency is believed to have come from assets that were derived from, or were used to facilitate criminal activity. The currency may be proceeds from drug trafficking activities, organized crime or money laundering.
*Photo Courtesy: Wyoming Highway Patrol