Montgomery Advertiser :
Police officers seized more than $1 million during a recent traffic stop, and some of that money could end up benefiting the Montgomery Police Department, authorities announced Monday.
Officers found the money hidden in the cab of a tractor-trailer after pulling over the vehicle for an illegal lane change early Friday, said Montgomery Public Safety Department Director Chris Murphy.
A drug-sniffing dog named Daisy played a pivotal role in the recovery of the cash, which had cocaine residue on it, Mayor Todd Strange said. An energetic Daisy was in attendance at the Monday news conference at police headquarters.
The traffic stop was made on Interstate 65 near the 169 mile marker, which is between the South Boulevard and Fairview Avenue exits.
The driver of the tractor-trailer consented to the search, which was carried out by the Police Department’s Highway Safety Team, Police Chief Kevin Murphy said.
No arrest have been made in connection with the seizure.
The seizure of about $1.15 million set in motion a federal asset forfeiture process that will involve agencies including the U.S. Marshals and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The MPD could receive 80 percent of the seized money, which by law must go toward the department’s law enforcement efforts involving drugs, Chris Murphy said.
No arrest is necessary for the asset forfeiture process to move forward, but it could take months before the money finds its way back to Montgomery, Kevin Murphy said.
The money could come in handy, Strange said, pointing out that the purchase of Daisy herself was made possible with drug money the department seized.
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