Cops Seize $28K in Route 17 Drug Bust
Two NY men were initially pulled over for a routine motor vehicle stop, police say
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Mahwah police seized $28,875 from two N.Y. men driving through Mahwah Saturday night, Chief Jim Batelli said Sunday.
According to Batelli, Xiang Ho, 21, of Queens, N.Y., and Lu Bin, 22, of Syracuse, N.Y., were driving their 2008 BMW on Route 17 South at 8:13 p.m. Saturday when they were pulled over for an “observable motor vehicle violation.”
After a smell of marijuana and visible remnants of drugs in the car prompted police to search it, Ho and Bin were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and being under the influence of marijuana, Batelli said. Ho was also charged with driving under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, cops said.
During a search of the BMW, police found a box with the $28K in cash inside it, Batelli said. Police seized the money after evidence in the car and conversations with the two men led them to believe the cash was “proceeds of criminal activity or enterprise,” Batelli said.
Though he did not elaborate on the allegation, Batelli did say police will now follow state forfeiture laws, and begin civil seizure proceedings.
The car was impounded and Ho and Bin were released on their own recognizance with a scheduled court appearance on March 19, police said.
Mahwah Officer Eric Larsen conducted the arrest.
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david calleo
5:45 am on Monday, March 11, 2013
Didn't you all know just how expensive Starbucks is these days ? Maybe they needed the cash ! Plus, driving a BMW , maybe they needed to fill their tank with Super. Have you seen the prices lately? JK, another great job by Mahwah's finest.
Jonathan N. Marcus, Esq.
11:09 am on Monday, March 11, 2013
Another great job by the MPD. With all the budget discussions going on right now, this is a wonderful example of something that does not show up in the budget. Assuming these funds are ultimately found to have come from a criminal enterprise, the taxpayers of Mahwah will directly benefit from the hard work of our police officers. These funds, along with the millions of dollars in prior ceased funds, are able to be used by the MPD for certain expenses as specified under law. This benefits the taxpayers of Mahwah dollar for dollar as it offsets taxpayer dollars that might otherwise have been spent.
From an accounting perspective, these ceased funds do not show up in the Township's budget so their impact is not necessarily obvious on paper. Thus, not only is the MPD keeping our Township safe (which I cannot place a price tag on), but they are also contributing to the revenue side of our ledger.
Great job MPD and keep the good work going!
Bob
2:51 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
“observable motor vehicle violation”. . . .how many of those are completely fabricated, or perhaps caused, by the officer? I wonder.
TS
5:02 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Hey Bob, were you one of those losers arrested by Mahwah last year?
Glenn Murphy
5:06 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
I SAY: "Well Done Mahwah PD"! That 28K+ can go to the "Purchase" of another Vehical/NEW Police Officer"!
The Town JUST GOT It's Wind fall for the Police Buget!!
T-Bird 148
5:06 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
You're right Bob, I'm sure the officer broke a taillight with his baton or flashlight or unscrewed a light bulb just to stop this car. I'd be willing to bet if you were driving past him he could find at least one completely legitimate reason to stop you too. Then again, I am sure you are such upstanding citizen and responsible motorist that you do a 360 degree inspection of your vehicle before you drive it each time.
got milk
5:02 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
T bird why would the officer do something like that. He Must have saw something wrong. The officer would not pull a car over for doing nothing! The MPD does a great job at protecting the town. And I know most of the officers and they would no do any thing that would be wrong.
T-Bird 148
1:43 pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
got milk, guess my sarcasm toward "Bob" was not properly conveyed ...
got milk
5:02 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
So great job MPD!!!
TS
5:02 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Hey Bob, were you one of those losers arrested by Mahwah last year?
Bill Goffredo
5:02 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I love how people bad mouth the police...lets see you go do their job..you are probably a coward or you did something stupid yourself in the past and got caught...to the best of my knowledge the Mahwah Police Department is top notch and does a great job...if you live in Mahwah be thankful for that...if you don't shut the heck up and stay out of our great town, we don't need you and your comments...if you don't have anything nice to say, then shut up!