State Police seize $20,000 in alleged drug money from car on I-12, release driver and passenger

State Police seized $20,000 in alleged drug money from a vehicle on Interstate 12 on Thursday but released the two occupants after they said the cash did not belong to them.

During the traffic stop, the trooper noticed Eaglin and White seemed nervous and gave inconsistent answers when asked why they were traveling, Manale said. The trooper asked to search the vehicle and Eaglin, the driver, refused, he said.

Troopers then requested assistance from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, which sent a police dog to search for drugs in the car, Manale said. The dog picked up on the scent of drugs in the vehicle, he said.

Troopers did not find drugs in the car but did turn up $20,000 in cash in the trunk, he said.

Eaglin and White were taken to Troop L's headquarters near Mandeville for questioning and both denied ownership of the money, Manale said. Troopers seized the cash and released both Eaglin and White with their vehicle, he said.

State Police have not yet sought any charges against Eaglin or White.