NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska State Patrol troopers arrested two people and seized approximately $18,000 in counterfeit money, four pounds of marijuana and 51 THC edibles after a traffic stop on I-80 near Hershey.
The traffic stop happened around 1:40 a.m. Friday, May 31 after a trooper observed a 2019 Hyundai Tuscon speeding near mile marker 168.
The trooper detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle during the traffic stop.
Troopers searched the vehicle, discovering four pounds of marijuana and 51 THC edibles. A large amount of currency was also found in the vehicle, including approximately $18,000 in fake $100 bills and $2,000 in actual currency.
The driver, 41-year-old Lamecia Merchant, and the passenger, 28-year-old Lawrence Hawkins, both of Green Bay, WI, were arrested for unlawful circulation of a financial transaction device, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana--more than one pound, no drug tax stamp and possession of drug money.
Both were taken to the Lincoln County Jail.
