OSP Seizes Cash and Opium in Salem Traffic Stop

The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the OSP Drug Enforcement Section.

Photograph of 56-year old David Eyvaz Saee of Bothell, Washington courtesy: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore.) - An Oregon State Police traffic stop in the Salem area last Friday morning led to the arrest of a Washington man for posessing approximately 2 ounces of opium and more than $400,000 in US currency.

On February 6, 2009 at approximately 9:52 a.m., an OSP sergeant stopped a rented 2009 Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle southbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 254 occupied by two individuals for a speed-related traffic violation.

Investigative efforts during the course of the traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 2 ounces of opium and $419,425 in U.S. currency concealed in the vehicle.

The seized opium has an estimated value of approximately $2,500. A Salem police department officer and drug canine assisted during the stop. The vehicle's driver, 56-year old David Eyvaz Saee of Bothell, Washington was arrested and lodged in the Marion County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance -Opium.

The 59-year old passenger from Oregon whose name is not being released was not arrested.

According to the Marion County Deputy District Attorney Paige Clarkson, Saee was arraigned Tuesday morning, February 10th, with his attorney, Walter Todd.

He was released after posting $6,000 bail.

The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the OSP Drug Enforcement Section. No other information will be released due to the ongoing investigation.