About $94,000 in cash was seized by the RCMP near Watson Lake last weekend as part of the "M" division's check stops throughout the territory.

Sgt. Mark Groves told the Star this morning an investigation is underway, but it's believed the cash is related to the drug trade.

That form of trafficking, he said, is used by organized crime.

The cash was seized from a vehicle headed north on the Alaska Highway near Watson Lake.

The $94,000 wasn't destined for Watson Lake. However, part of the RCMP investigation is also looking at whether it was bound for another Yukon community or another jurisdiction, with the Alaska Highway serving as a route to both Alaska and the Northwest Territories, Groves said.

Charges are pending in relation to the confiscated money.

Check stops were also placed near Stewart Crossing with RCMP officers from Dawson City, Mayo, Pelly Crossing and Watson Lake working with other officers from the Yukon government carrier compliance section.

Along with seizing the cash, issued at the check stops were:

• 29 tickets for motor vehicle and Liquor Act offences;

• four 24-hour licence suspensions for alcohol and/or drug use;

• four possession of narcotics charges for marijuana;

• one arrest of a person wanted on an outstanding warrant; and

• one impaired driving arrest, with charges pending.

Police also impounded five vehicles and took three commercial transport trucks out of services for various National Safety Code violations.

"In the coming months, the RCMP in the Yukon will be conducting check stops aimed at reducing the number of impaired driving offences on our roadways," the RCMP said in a statement.

"Also, the Street Crime Reduction Team, 'M' Division Traffic Services and RCMP officers from all over the territory will be targeting prolific offenders who drive while their licence is suspended or disqualified."