Officers working at the B&M International Bridge apprehended a man crossing with nearly $180,000 concealed inside the panels of a vehicle.
A criminal complaint filed over the weekend stated U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered nine bundles of money concealed inside the passenger side, rear quarter panel of a Dodge Caravan totaling approximately $179,940.
Jose Manuel Villalobos-Coronado was interviewed by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents and according to the affidavit told investigators he was aware of the declaring requirements mandating travelers report currency in excess of $10,000 to CBP.
Villalobos-Coronado was arrested and charged with intentionally attempting to evade currency reporting requirements.
He was held without bond following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya, III on Monday and was scheduled for a detention hearing this week.
