LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) -- An elderly couple, who said the drugs found in their vehicle were for Christmas presents when they were arrested in December, were arrested once again in Nebraska on Tuesday morning.
Patrick Jiron, 80, and his wife, Barbara Jiron, 70, were passengers in a black Toyota when it was pulled over on Interstate 80 near Mile Marker 390 in Nebraska on Tuesday morning.
Sergeant Jason Mayo said the vehicle, driven by the Jiron’s daughter, was pulled over at about 9:40 a.m. Tuesday. After making contact with the couple, the deputy believed the two may be involved in criminal activity, and a K-9 unit was deployed.
The K-9 indicated the presence of marijuana, and a subsequent search unveiled $18,000 in cash. The cash tested positive for marijuana residue. A 50 gallon black Hefty bag was also found and tested positive for cannabis residue, Sergeant Mayo said.
Barbara and Patrick Jiron were arrested for possession of money while violating Statute 28-416.17.
The two were released on bond Tuesday afternoon, and are due in court in Lancaster County on Wednesday.
The daughter was released at the scene.
Sergeant Mayo said the vehicle was traveling westbound from Vermont to the Jiron’s home state of California.
When the couple was arrested on Dec. 19, also in Nebraska, the duo was traveling from California to Vermont with 60 pounds of marijuana. They told police then the drugs were meant to be Christmas presents.