A Durham man was arrested Monday after Middletown Police say he was caught carrying almost 3/4 of a pound of pot and more than $22,000 in cash in his backpack.
Matthew Waleski, 24, of 149 Royal Oak Circle, was riding a motorcycle in the area of East Street and Country Club in Middletown when police pulled him over.
Waleski appeared to be very nervous, according to officers, and removed his backpack before he was asked to do so. Police could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the backpack and when one of the officers took hold of it, Waleski attempted to grab it, police said.
Waleski was immediately placed under arrest.
A search of the backpack revealed nearly 3/4 of a pound of marijuana and $22,166 in cash, police said. Police also seized the 1999 Suzuki GSXR 750 Waleski was driving.
Waleski is charged with illegal possession of narcotics (over 4 ounces), possession of narcotics with intent to sell and interfering. He was also issued an infraction for failure to carry insurance card, following too close, and an obstructed license plate.
Waleski was released on $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear at Middlesex Superior Court on Monday, April 23.
