What seemed like a routine traffic stop for Manteca Police on Saturday night ended up yielding an illegally-possessed handgun and more than $73,000 in cash that police believe came from the sale of illegal narcotics.

After observing a vehicle with a mechanical issue two Manteca Police officers conducted a traffic stop. Upon walking up to the vehicle noticed a live bullet in the lap of one of the occupants – prompting the officers to remove and detain the suspects and search the vehicle further.

Bennie Jenkins, a 22-year-old Manteca resident, was found to be carrying a loaded 9mm handgun on his person and was taken into custody for firearms-related charges. He was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail and has subsequently been released after posting bail.

A further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately $73,032 in cash and evidence of marijuana sales – prompting officers to arrest 29-year-old Stockton resident Brandon Gentry of Stockton for marijuana sales. Gentry was released with a promise to appear in San Joaquin County Superior Court, but the money was confiscated as evidence in the case because of its connection to the sale of narcotics.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.