SHARE

Mahwah Police Bust Route 17 Philly Driver With $15,200 Cash

MAHWAH, N.J. -- A Philadelphia driver whose car reeked of pot was arrested after he couldn't say where he got $15,200 in cash that was neatly wrapped -- most of it in a vacuum-sealed bag -- the same as drug money, Mahwah police said.

Cameron Weaver

Cameron Weaver

Photo Credit: MUGSHOT: Courtesy MAHWAH PD

Officer Tyler Boucher stopped the vehicle on southbound Route 17 for traffic violations around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Police Chief James N. Batelli said.

After smelling marijuana, he asked 28-year-old Cameron Weaver for identification, he said.

Weaver "acknowledged that someone had recently smoked marijuana inside the vehicle," the chief said.

There also were "inconsistencies in the story Weaver provided to the officer and small amounts of marijuana residue" in the car, he said.

A search of the vehicle turned up $1,200 in cash wrapped in rubber bands in the center console and $14,000 in cash of various denominations packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag, Batelli said.

"Weaver was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for possessing the money," the chief said. "In addition the money was packaged in a manner consistent with use in criminal activity."

Weaver was processed at police headquarters and released pending a hearing.

The money, meanwhile, was seized for forfeiture proceedings, Batelli said.

to follow Daily Voice Saddle Brook-Elmwood Park and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE