CBP agents seize thousands in hidden cash inside pickup heading into Mexico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized $68,422 Thursday, September 29th at the Presidio Port of Entry.

The money was discovered hidden inside a vehicle’s front dashboard, officials said.

The driver of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado was heading south into Mexico when the vehicle was selected for an intensive x-ray inspection.

The officers noticed anomalies within the front dashboard area and further inspection of the dashboard allegedly revealed currency bundles wrapped in black tape hidden inside.

The driver, 35 year-old Guadalupe Villarreal Johnson, of Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico and her passenger, 30 year-old Gina Villarreal Johnson, of Fort Stockton, Texas, were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement HSI special agents.

“CBP officers are working hard to stop the illegal movement of guns, ammunition and unreported currency,” said CBP Presidio Port Director John Deputy. “Travelers who do not follow federal currency reporting requirements run the risk of losing their currency and may potentially face criminal charges.”