Madison County State's Attorney Tom Gibbons has filed paperwork to seize part of more than $1.5 million found in a car Saturday during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 55 in Collinsville.

The law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecutors of the case will be entitled to a percentage of the money if the bid is successful.

"Our Asset Forfeiture Division does an excellent job in seizing money obtained illegally," Gibbons said. "It allows us to turn around and use that same money for programs and projects that improve our ability to fight crime without cost to taxpayers."

Carole L. Galvez, 62 of Gila Bend, Ariz., was stopped by an Illinois State trooper for improper lane usage and for having an illegal cover over her license plate.

The trooper became suspicious after speaking with Galvez and was granted permission to search her car. He found $1,589,860 in cash divided into 27 vacuum sealed packages.

Police said their investigation determined the money was obtained through illegal activity. Although they have not said specifically how Galvez got the cash, such a large amount of money is often associated with drug trafficking. Galvez was charged with a felony count of money laundering and is in the Madison County Jail with her bond set at $500,000. If convicted, she could face 4-15 years in jail.