3 Arrested With 125 Pounds Marijuana, $43K Cash In Car: Westchester PD

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A chance traffic stop led to a major drug seizure, according to the Westchester County Police Department.

The department said that after a traffic stop last week, three men were found with 125 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value over $100,000, and $43,000 cash in their vehicle.

Police pointed out that while anyone 21 or older in New York State is permitted to have up to three ounces of marijuana in their possession in public, the trio had "a wee bit over that amount."

The incident took place one night last week when a WCPD officer made a traffic stop on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon, after he witnessed a cellphone violation.

As the officer approached the driver, he saw there were two other passengers in the car, along with "multiple bags of various sizes, shapes and colors throughout the passenger compartment." After speaking with the driver, the police officer recognized possible signs of marijuana trafficking, police said.

The three suspects, all from Connecticut, were taken into custody and their Toyota Camry with Illinois plates was impounded.

At police headquarters, officers and detectives inventoried the contents of the bags, found in both the passenger compartment and the trunk.

Police are not yet identifying the three suspects, citing an ongoing investigation. They were all charged with felony first degree criminal possession of cannabis.

WCPD also reminded the public to never use a cellphone without a hands-free device while driving — no matter the circumstances.