Lincoln police recovered 18.53 pounds of marijuana in a car early Sunday after using a man’s keyless entry device to unlock the door.

A witness called 911 just before 5 a.m. and reported Amon L. Whitlow, 28, was in possession of a large amount of the drug.

Police quickly found Whitlow at 17th and Whittier streets, near his home, and searched him after he tossed an 8.3-ounce baggy of marijuana, Lincoln Police Capt. David Beggs said. The officers found $3,723 cash and the remote car opener, he said.

The officers keyed the remote and saw flashing lights from a 2002 Cadillac nearby. In the car they found a partially-open duffel bag containing more than 18 pounds of marijuana, Beggs said.

Whitlow, who plead guilty to felony third-degree assault of a police officer in 2007, was arrested on suspicion of possession of narcotics with intent to deliver.