Hidalgo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents working southbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized close to $245,000 in U.S. bulk cash. (more info)
On September 15, CBP officers and agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a southbound 1999 Chevy Suburban and its driver, a 33-year-old Mexican citizen from Gainesville, Georgia. The vehicle was traveling south, headed into Mexico. CBP officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents referred the vehicle to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized 43 packages containing bulk U.S. currency that were found hidden within the vehicle. The Suburban was also seized by CBP.
The southbound male traveler was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement–Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
Hector A. Mancha, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo-Pharr said, “In the course of conducting outbound examinations, our frontline officers have the legal authority to seize merchandise that is being exported contrary to law.” Mancha further said, “This is a significant amount of currency that was headed south and I commend our officers for this excellent interception.”
