Cash Bust: $184K in Unreported Money Seized at Brownsville Bridge

Cash Bust: $184K in Unreported Money Seized at Brownsville Bridge

CBP Officers Stop Suspected Smuggling Attempt at U.S.–Mexico Border

BROWNSVILLE, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized more than $184,000 in unreported currency during a routine inspection at the Brownsville-Matamoros International Bridge on Friday, in what officials are calling a significant interception of suspected cross-border smuggling activity.

The cash was discovered during a secondary inspection of a 2022 Fiat, where officers found:

• $148,000 hidden inside the vehicle
• $54,000 concealed on the driver
• $30,000 strapped to the female passenger

Both individuals were arrested on the spot, and the case has now been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further processing.

Violating Federal Cash Reporting Laws

Travelers entering or exiting the United States must declare any amount over $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments. Failing to report large sums can result in civil and criminal penalties, as well as permanent forfeiture of the funds.

The source of the seized money has not been publicly disclosed, but such cases are often linked to money laundering, drug trafficking, or organized smuggling operations.

The driver and passenger, whose names have not been released, are currently being investigated for potential financial and federal criminal violations.

Homeland Security Takes Over

Homeland Security Investigations, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will now lead the case, which includes analyzing the financial origins of the cash and determining whether it is tied to larger criminal networks.

Officials noted that the Brownsville-Matamoros port of entry is a frequent hotspot for both narcotics and currency seizures due to its volume of daily crossings and its proximity to organized criminal activity along the border.

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Helpful Links and Contact Information

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): https://www.cbp.gov
• Homeland Security Investigations (ICE/HSI): https://www.ice.gov/hsi
• Brownsville Port of Entry Contact: 📞 (956) 983-5800

To report suspicious activity or learn more about currency reporting requirements, visit the CBP website or contact your nearest port of entry.