San Clemente, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man on Thursday afternoon who had more than $76,000 in U.S. currency inside his car.
currency Thursday afternoon.
Thursday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Border Patrol agents conducted a vehicle stop on a grey 2017 Volkswagen Jetta traveling southbound on Interstate 5 near Las Pulgas Road in San Clemente, California.
Upon searching the vehicle, the agents located a small box on the back seat which contained several bundles of U.S. currency. A further search revealed additional bundles hidden in the car’s center console and inside a backpack. In total, there was $76,028.
Agents placed the 56-year-old U.S. citizen under arrest and transported him to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing. Record checks revealed that the man had an extensive criminal history, which included prior arrests for human and narcotics smuggling.
The currency and the man were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. The vehicle was seized by the U.S Border Patrol.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.