U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped an illegal exportation of currency when officers searched a spare tire and found that it was being used to conceal more than $285,000.

U.S. Customs A total of $286,000 in c ash was found in a spare tire at the port last week.

On August 12 at approximately 8:30 p.m., CBP officers were screening traffic going into Mexico as part of a southbound operation. The officers selected a 1995 Chevy S-10 pick-up truck for further inspection. The vehicle was being driven by a 46-year-old man identified as a U.S. citizen and resident of Douglas, Arizona. Utilizing high-tech equipment, CBP officers discovered that the man was attempting to smuggle more than $285,000 out of the United States by concealing the money in a spare tire and securing it underneath the bed of the pickup he was driving.

CBP officers seized the vehicle and the undeclared currency. The man was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.

“This is a significant money seizure,” said George De La Ossa, Acting Chief Supervisor over Outbound Operations at the Douglas Port of Entry” these types of money seizures represent more than just money lost by the Drug Trafficking Organizations. These revenues are what supply the weapons and the means for these organizations to disrupt governments and pose threats to our nation. Customs and Border Protection remains committed in strengthening our borders.”

Felon stopped while attempting

to leave U.S. through port

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers apprehended an illegal immigrant who was attempting to leave the U.S. undetected. Through further investigation CBP officers learned that in addition to living in the U.S. illegally, the man was a hardened criminal with an extensive criminal history.

On August 12 at approximately 10 p.m. CBP officers were screening travelers in the south-bound lane which directs traffic from the U.S. into Mexico. The officers noticed a suspicious man walking south toward Mexico in the pedestrian lane and stopped him for further screening. The man was identified as a 29-year-old Mexican national and resident of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Further investigation by the CBP officers revealed the man was an Aggravated Felon and had an extensive criminal history for drugs, alcohol, burglary, larceny and had been to prison twice.

The man was taken into custody by CBP officers and was transported to the Florence Detention Facility while waiting an appearance before a Federal Magistrate.