Tens of thousand of dollars left scattered on a suburban road after botched drug deal in Perth

Police have seized tens of thousands of dollars lying around on a highway in Perth's northern suburbs, believed to be from a drug deal gone bad.

Members of the public reported seeing bundles of $50 notes along the Mitchell Fwy via Connolly at around 9.30pm on Monday.

Body camera footage released by WA Police shows officers rushing to pick up piles of banknotes on the road and in roadside bushes, picking up around $40,000 in total.

Police have collected $40,000 in cash after the large sum of money was found on a major highway in Perth's north.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch told radio station 6PR on Tuesday that he believes the money came from a “suspicious gathering” shortly before the money was spotted.

“It appears it was a total fiasco by the person involved and probably not one of our brightest (alleged) offenders,” Mr Blanch said.

The driver of a Holden Commodore, which was reportedly parked on the side of the road, was arrested.

A search of the Holden is said to have turned up a further $8,000 cash and 51 grams of cocaine.

The 34-year-old man from Clarkson appeared in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with possession of a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply, possession of stolen property and disqualification to drive.

The stash of cash is believed to have been part of a drug deal gone wrong that saw police arrest a man who was reportedly sitting in a parked car when officers found the cash nearby.

The investigation continues as detectives attempt to track down a tow truck and motorcycle seen in the area at the time – both of which took off when officers arrived.

Anyone with information, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the area between 8.30pm and 10pm is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Anonymous reports are also possible online.