Border Patrol Agents Stop Vehicle in Arizona, Seize Hidden Cash

January 19, 2010 - U.S. Border Patrol agents seized $18,220 in cash during a vehicle stop near Kingman, Ariz. late Saturday evening.

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Blythe Station stopped a 2003 Nissan Altima at about 11:30 p.m. on Interstate 40, a route well-known for smuggling activity. During the stop, a Border Patrol canine team assisted agents in locating several stacks of U.S. currency and several prepaid cell phones hidden in the trunk.

The agents transported the driver, passenger, vehicle and cash to the Blythe Border Patrol Station where they ran records checks on the driver and passenger. Agents discovered that both had extensive criminal histories for battery, drug possession and intent to sell. Agents seized the cash and released the vehicle and occupants.

Over the past few years, the Yuma Sector Border Patrol has experienced an increase in bulk cash smuggling attempts, culminating with the seizure of nearly half a million dollars of suspected criminal proceeds during fiscal year 2009. Since October 1, 2009, the Yuma Sector has seized more than $550,000 of suspected criminal proceeds.