Officer Christian Sisco stopped the Hyundai Santa Fe with temporary Texas license plates for several violations on the eastbound highway near the George Washington Bridge shortly before 2:30 a.m. Friday, Detective Alex Monteleone said.
After smelling pot in the vehicle, he summoned backups and got the driver’s consent for a search, Monteleone said.
They found marijuana throughout the Santa Fe and the bulk of the cash in a plastic bag, he said.
The driver, Kelvin J. Paula-Breton, 24, of the Bronx, was arrested and brought to police headquarters, where officers found more cash in the secret pants pocket.
He was charged with money laundering and drug possession and released pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
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ALSO SEE: A drunken hit-and-run driver whose smoking SUV was shooting out sparks as Edgewater police chased her before dawn Monday got out seconds before it went up in flames, authorities said.
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