BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — An official in the former government of President Cristina Fernandez has been detained while apparently trying to hide millions of dollars in cash and jewels at a monastery.

The government news agency Telam says nuns called police after seeing a man throwing plastic bags onto the property near Buenos Aires early Tuesday. Officers arrived and arrested a man who turned out to be former Public Works Secretary Jose Lopez.

Police initially detained him for illegal possession of a .22 caliber rifle. Then they discovered money and jewels in the bags.

Local Mayor Dario Kubar tells Todo Noticias television that authorities found more than $7 million.

Marcos Pena is Cabinet chief for President Mauricio Macri. He confirmed the detention to reporters. In his words, "It's almost out of a movie."