Bill Would Stop Smugglers From Using Secret Boxes [AUDIO]

New Jersey gunrunners and drug smugglers used to put their contraband in the trucks of their cars, but these days, a growing number of them are carrying their cargo in secret compartments in their vehicles.

One Garden State lawmaker is pushing a plan to stop this from happening.

Assemblyman Gordon Johnson is sponsoring legislation that would make it a second degree crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine, for constructing a secret compartment in your vehicle.

"This bill gives police and law enforcement another tool to use when it comes to getting drugs or guns off our streets that are coming into our state illegally.  Let's increase the risk for those folks who want to do that activity," said Gordon.

He pointed out hidden compartments are becoming more and more popular with gun runners and gang members moving narcotics.  "So it's definitely a part of that system of transporting illegal contraband into our state."

Johnson added New Jersey is one of the strictest gun control states in the country, yet people in the streets of New Jersey are still being shot and killed every day by illegal weapons, so something needs to be done.

"Legal gun owners have the right to have their weapon, so let's go after the illegal people - the folks who are doing the illegal activities by increasing the penalties, and increasing their risk if they're caught," said Gordon.