On Jan. 2, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit and the Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Unit executed a state search warrant at a residence in Eastern Rowan County, in the area of High Rock Lake.

The Rowan County Sheriff's Office was assisted in the investigation by the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Cornelius Police Department, Huntersville Police Department, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Mooresville Police Department and the Iredell County Sheriff's Office.

The search was based on probable cause that the residence contained a large amount of cash, weapons and drugs.

Investigators discovered $1,439,476.28. They also found an assault weapon, three handguns, two sets of body armor, ammunition and two vehicles.

The money was believed to be proceeds of large-scale narcotics trafficking.

Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, no one was arrested, but the investigation continues.

The currency was transported to a banking institution in Charlotte, where it was counted and converted into an official check. Federal asset forfeiture of the money is being conducted by Homeland Security.