Several traffic stops by Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officers, along with the efforts of DPS criminal investigators, resulted in the seizure of $544,611 in drug money during January. All of the money seized was U.S. currency.
One of the largest cash seizures made by DPS during the month occurred Jan. 6 when a DPS Canine Officer stopped a 2009 Buick sedan for a traffic violation on Interstate 40 westbound just east of Flagstaff. While talking with the driver, the officer observed indicators of criminal activity and deployed his canine which alerted to the trunk area of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a box in the trunk which contained $133,420 in U.S. currency.
The driver was identified as Damon John Louis, 31, of San Francisco, Calif. He was detained, questioned and later released. The money was seized and the vehicle was returned to the rental agency. The investigation is continuing into this seizure.
“This one traffic stop shows what law enforcement is facing in the ongoing battle against drug cartels doing business in Arizona. Thanks to the professionalism and vigilance of this DPS officer, this seizure will help our criminal investigators follow the money that will hopefully lead to more arrests in the effort to keep our communities safe,” said Roger Vanderpool, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
