April 11, 2019 500 AM
PRESIDIO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Presidio port of entry seized $170,030 in U.S. currency on Saturday afternoon, according to an agency news release. The money was discovered hidden in the tailgate of a pick-up truck.
CBP officers were conducting an outbound operation at the Presidio crossing when at approximately 12:50pm, a 2018 Nissan Titan pick-up driven by a 48-year-old U.S. citizen, accompanied by a 23-year-old Mexican citizen passenger approached the inspection area.
Further inspection of the vehicle revealed currency bundles wrapped in black tape hidden within the tailgate of the truck.
CBP officers seized the money and vehicle and turned the driver and passenger to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
“CBP officers are working hard to stop the illegal movement of guns, ammunition and unreported currency,” said Michael Neipert, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Presidio port director “Travelers who do not follow federal currency reporting requirements run the risk of losing their currency and may potentially face criminal charges.”
