C.P.B. News Release

CBP Officers Find Counterfeit Bills in Texas Woman’s Handbag

(Thursday, May 21, 2009)

Progreso, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Progreso, Texas International Bridge seized 35 counterfeit U.S. $20 bills that were found hidden in a woman’s handbag.

On May 18, 2009 at 5:23 p.m., CBP officers working at the Progreso International Bridge Monday evening came in contact with a northbound female traveler driving a 1996 Dodge Ram pickup truck.

The vehicle and driver were referred to secondary for an intensive examination where they discovered the cash hidden in her handbag. The driver, identified as a 46-year-old U.S. citizen from Edinburg, Texas, was arrested by U.S. Secret Service special agents. Pending appearance before a U.S. Magistrate, the Edinburg resident remains incarcerated.

CBP officers seized the counterfeit currency and the Dodge pickup truck.

Noel Sanchez, CBP port director, Progreso said, “Our officers did great enforcement work in identifying the currency as counterfeit.â€