Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety announced today a stop by a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper on I-75 in McMinn County resulted in the arrest of three illegal aliens and the seizure of nearly an ounce of cocaine, more than $100,000 in cash, several handguns and a Lincoln Navigator.

The Trooper stopped the 1998 Lincoln Navigator Tuesday, March 28 th at approximately noon on I-75 at the 43 mile marker for a traffic violation. Upon receiving consent to search the vehicle, the Trooper located three handguns, $139,478 in cash and approximately one ounce of cocaine with a street value of about $1,200.

The suspects are now in the custody of the D.E.A. and face federal charges. The public is reminded that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.