FAIRFIELD, NJ — A traffic stop on Route 46 led to the seizure of nearly $245,000 in cash and approximately nine pounds of marijuana products, police said.
Javion Morris, 25, of Niagara Falls, New York, was arrested April 8 after Officer Patrick Reynolds observed a silver 2026 Hyundai Genesis commit several motor vehicle violations on Route 46 East at approximately 9:56 p.m.
Morris was the only occupant of the vehicle, according to police.
Officer Ryan Cleary arrived shortly after to assist.
Police said Morris was unable to provide a legitimate timeline for his travel or explain his presence in Fairfield.
Morris was extremely nervous while speaking with officers and was receiving calls on several cell phones during the traffic stop, police said.
A K-9 from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department was requested to the scene.
The K-9 performed an open-air sniff and provided a positive alert for the presence of illegal substances within the vehicle, according to police.
A search of the vehicle yielded 128 sealed packets of raw marijuana weighing approximately one pound, 26 four-ounce jars of suspected marijuana hashish weighing approximately eight pounds, a variety of packaging materials and just under $245,000 in various denominations of U.S. currency, police said.
A set of brass knuckles was also found in the vehicle, according to police.
Morris was charged with possession with intent to distribute, money laundering, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a prohibited weapon.
He also received two motor vehicle summonses.
The vehicle, which was a rental car, was towed to police headquarters.
Morris was transported to the Essex County Jail pending an initial court appearance.
