Traffic Stop on US 41 Leads to Drug Possession Charge and Seizure of Over $26,000 in Suspected Drug Money
A routine traffic stop in Cedar Lake on Friday, May 2nd, led to the discovery of a large amount of cash suspected to be tied to illegal drug activity, as well as the arrest of a California man for possession of a controlled substance.
According to the Cedar Lake Police Department, Sgt. Tim Kilgore was patrolling northbound on US 41 (Wicker Avenue) when he observed a gray Hyundai traveling at a high rate of speed. After confirming the vehicle continued to exceed the posted speed limit, Sgt. Kilgore initiated a traffic stop in the 12500 block of US 41.
The driver, identified as 30-year-old Jose Uehara Canto of California, was operating a rental vehicle that reportedly emitted the odor of marijuana. Canto told the officer that he had just arrived in the area via airport travel, visited Indianapolis, and was now en route to Chicago. However, police say his story changed multiple times during the interview, raising suspicion.
Sgt. Kilgore requested assistance from K9 Officer Ben Tomko and his partner, K9 Johnny, who performed a free air sniff of the vehicle’s exterior. K9 Johnny alerted to the rear trunk area. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered $26,200 in U.S. currency, bundled individually, along with a THC vape pen, which is classified as a controlled substance under Indiana law.
Canto reportedly told officers he was aware of the cash in the vehicle but claimed it did not belong to him. Based on the circumstances, Sgt. Kilgore determined there was probable cause to believe the cash was connected to illegal drug activity. The Cedar Lake Police Department has initiated proceedings to seize the funds under civil asset forfeiture laws.
Canto was cited for speeding and charged with possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor. He was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation is ongoing. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
