Traffic stop nets suspects with $783K hidden in car

FORT LEE -- Two men from New York face charges after a New Jersey state trooper found more than $783,000 in their vehicle during a traffic stop.

State police say the driver and passenger, Franklin Delacruz and Jose Carnillo, both 45, both from the Bronx, were travelling on I-95 recently when the SUV caught Trooper Steve Spitaleri's attention.

"Swerving in and out of lane, meaning changing lanes without using a signal, cutting back and forth between the left and center lane," said Spitaleri.

Trooper Eric Tapia came on the scene to translate, and found the mens' stories didn't add up.

"Where they were coming from, where they were going," said Tapia. "Also, issues with their relationship."

A K-9 unit picked up a scent of drugs, and the Ford Expedition was trucked to the State Police barracks.

In the back was a box.

It took police 25 minutes to crack it open, and it contained a cache of cash.

Delacruz and Carnillo have been charged with money laundering and conspiracy.

They're each held in the Bergen County Jail on $500,000 bail.

The money and the truck were confiscated.

Once the case goes to court, if it's found that the money is ill gotten gains, it will go into state and county accounts to fight crime.

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