Police: Condo $1 Million Cash 'Contraband'

El Paso police investigators believe money found last month in a West Side condominium is evidence of drug transactions conducted by the condo's owner, according to an affidavit filed Tuesday in district court.

On Feb. 5, maintenance workers and police officers found bundles of money in a bedroom closet wall inside the condo. They also discovered a garbage bag, boxes and two large safes filled with cash, the affidavit states.

The affidavit was filed because prosecutors believe the money is "contraband" and had been used or was intended to be used in the commission of a felony.

So far, investigators have been able to count $982,110 in cash, which has been deposited at a local bank.

An additional $179,335 in cash was counted but not accepted by the bank because the cash was "damaged, moldy or mutilated." Most of the cash consisted of $20 bills.

That cash has been sent to the Engraving and Printing Corp. in Washington, D.C. for reclamation, the affidavit states.

Some of the cash was found coated with talcum powder and vacuum-sealed in plastic bags. The tactic is used "to throw off drug-sniffing dogs," the affidavit states.

Maintenance workers had been at the apartment after noticing a large amount of water flowing out the front door of the condo at 6201 Escondido.

Read more at El Paso Times.