CBP Officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge Seize Methamphetamine and Undeclared Bulk U.S. Currency

Hidalgo, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized an undetermined amount of methamphetamine and $240,393 in undeclared bulk U.S. currency in three weekend enforcement actions.

On Mar. 19, 2011, CBP officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 1996 Pontiac minivan and its driver, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen from Rochelle, Ill. After the initial primary inspection, a CBP police officer referred the vehicle and driver for further inspection. Officers seized 12 beer bottles alleged to contain methamphetamine.

The weight and estimated street value of the methamphetamine has not been determined. 

CBP officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge seized $240,393 in undeclared bulk U.S. currency from a 21-year-old traveler aboard a commercial bus.

On Mar. 20, 2011, CBP officers, U.S. Border Patrol agents, and Hidalgo Police officers working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a commercial bus that was traveling south, headed into Mexico. CBP officers boarded the bus and came in contact with two male passengers. The first was identified as a 21-year-old U.S. citizen from Splendora, while the second traveler was identified as a 26-year-old U.S. citizen from Baytown.

Officers seized $130,093 in undeclared bulk U.S. currency that was found in the 21-year-old traveler’s shirt and pant pockets. Officers also seized $110,300 in undeclared bulk U.S. currency that was found in the seat and immediate area occupied by the second traveler.

CBP officers seized the Pontiac minivan, the undeclared U.S. currency and transferred the suspects to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

Hector A. Mancha, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo/Pharr said, “We continue working hard to secure our nation’s borders and these weekend seizures illustrate the work our frontline CBP officers do to prevent hard narcotics from entering our country and teaming up with our many law enforcement partners to prevent the illegal exportation of U.S. currency into Mexico.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.