COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (KMOX) — Illinois State police uncovered thousands of dollars during a routine traffic stop near Collinsville.

Captain Brad Parsons, District 11 Commander said his officers pulled over a white 2011 Toyota for following too closely Wednesday afternoon in I-55. Upon further investigation the trooper believe there was criminal activity. He was given consent to search the vehicle. That’s when he found the money, $34,171 to be exact.

The driver and passenger were both questioned and neither of them claimed ownership of the money. The driver is an illegal immigrant and is being held pending deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The passenger was released.

“I don’t know of too many people who have over $34,000 just lying around,” said Captain Parsons. “If you do have that much cash and you have it for a legitimate reason, most people don’t take the time to vacuum seal it and then deny ownership of the money,” he continued.