By ROGAN M. SMITH, Guardian Senior Reporter

A Grand Bahama man was arrested Wednesday after authorities found him with nearly $500,000 in U.S. currency, police said.

Officers reportedly got a tip that the man was in Castaways Best Western Hotel on the Mall. They went inside the room and found the suspect, according to police.

During a search, officers reportedly found two travel bags containing $471,153 cash, all in U.S. currency.

Officers asked the man how he got the money and they claimed he could not give a satisfactory explanation.

Authorities believe the money was obtained illegally.

He was arrested and flown to New Providence and was said to be assisting police with their investigation.