GALLIPOLIS — Authorities confiscated over $18,000 in suspected drug money, thanks to a tip received by the Gallipolis Police Department on Friday.

According to Chief Clinton Patterson, the department received information that possible illegal drug activity was taking place in two rooms of the Super 8 Motel on Upper River Road.

During the investigation, officers said they received permission from the occupants to search the rooms, where they allegedly located marijuana, cocaine and seized $18,883 in cash.

Police are not releasing the names of the suspects pending the completion of the investigation, but did say one suspect was from Pomeroy and the other was from Detroit, Michigan.

“This is an incident where the public, working with the police, was able to make a huge difference,” said Patterson. “The Gallipolis Police Department is diligently investigating drug and criminal activity.”

Patterson encourages citizens to continue to report criminal activity to the proper authorities.

A portion of the money seized could be turned over to the department if it is determined it was obtained directly or indirectly from the commission of a felony drug offense or act under O.R.C. 2925.42. The seized money would be used for future drug related investigations, said Patterson.