Arizona Department of Public Safety seizes almost $200,000 in suspected drug related cash last week following routine traffic stops

On October 28, 2009, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officer stopped a tractor-trailer rig on Interstate 17 at milepost 262 near Cordes Junction for an equipment violation. A search of the vehicle revealed a false pallet of pressboard on a flatbed trailer. Inside was $134,098 in suspected drug cash.

Arrested: Delano Pierre Jones, 42, of Detroit

Charges: Money laundering

On October 29, 2009, on Interstate 10 westbound at milepost 235 near Marana, a DPS Officer observed two vehicles traveling in tandem. He stopped one of the vehicles, a white sedan, for following too close. Another DPS officer stopped the other vehicle, a Range Rover SUV, for impeding traffic. The driver of the SUV fled on foot. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 89 pounds of marijuana. A search of the sedan revealed a bundle of currency totaling $61, 729. With the assistance of the Marana Police Department, the subject was located and later arrested.

Arrested: Loushandou Hasani Brathwaite (driver of the SUV), 34, of Florida (unknown city)

Charges: Possession of marijuana for sale plus two outstanding warrants for felony assault out of Florida.

Arrested: Nigel N. Bennett (driver of the white sedan), 41, of Florida (unknown city)

Ottmar Derry Ebanks (passenger), 31, of Florida (unknown city)

Charges: Money laundering