Border Patrol Agents Seize $92k

(Wednesday, March 14, 2012)
Yuma, Ariz. — Border Patrol agents from Yuma Sector’s Blythe Station seized $92,900 in two separate incidents while conducting checkpoint operations on Interstate 10 during the weekend.

Agents referred a pickup truck to secondary inspection Friday following a canine team alert. After the driver consented to a vehicle search, agents discovered $51,000 cash inside a backpack, and marijuana-growing equipment in the pickup’s cargo area.

Saturday, agents referred a sedan to secondary inspection following a canine team alert. Agents received consent to search the vehicle and found $41,900 cash concealed in the bottom liner of a duffle bag.

The suspects, cash and vehicles were turned over to Riverside County Sherriff’s Office.

When Border Patrol agents discover large amounts of currency during checkpoint inspections, they investigate further to determine whether the currency has a nexus to illicit activity. During fiscal year 2011, the Yuma Sector seized more than $800,000 determined as profits generated from illegal activity.

All Customs and Border Protection assets in Arizona were realigned under a unified command structure in February 2011. Joint Field Command – Arizona unifies the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, to enhance border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to meet Arizona’s unique challenges. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit our site for more information. ( U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Border Security )

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

Department of Homeland Security

Border Patrol Agents Seize $92k - CBP.gov