TRAFFIC STOP NETS $11 MILLION CASH

ABILENE, Texas - A routine traffic stop turned up $11
million in suspected drug money, police said.

Officer R.L. Stiltner ordered a tractor-trailer to pull over for
traffic violations on Interstate 20 west of Abilene, according to a
criminal complaint filed Wednesday in federal court.

While searching the truck Tuesday afternoon, Stiltner found 11
cardboard boxes crammed with bills in denominations ranging from $1 to
$100, the complaint said.

"I don't know what emotion to use to describe it,'' said prosecutor
James Eidson. "You're standing there thinking you can't believe
there's that much money in one spot. It was a remarkable event.''

Pedro Flores has been charged with conspiracy to possess and
distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. If convicted, he
faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $4 million fine.

Flores said he had transported 1,000 pounds of marijuana from El Paso
to Chicago seven times, returning to Texas each time with "illicit
cash,'' according to court papers.