Laredo, Texas: CBP Officers Seize More Than $195K Destined To Nuevo Laredo

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $195,000 during an outbound inspection at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge.

A man was arrested for attempting to smuggle more than $195,000 out of the country via a Laredo international bridge, states an arrest affidavit.

Feliciano Quintanar-Hernandez, 34, was attempting to exit the country in a Ford Lobo via the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge on Jan. 29. During an outbound inspection, Quintanar-Hernandez gave a negative declaration for more than $10,000 in cash to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

CBP officers then referred Quintanar-Hernandez to secondary inspection, where authorities discovered $195,731 in three bags. In a post-arrest statement, Quintanar-Hernandez stated he hid the bags in the vehicle, and he was aware that the bags contained money.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents took over the case. Quintanar-Hernandez allegedly agreed to speak to authorities following his arrest.

“(Quintanar-Hernandez) claimed the money inside the bags belonged to a friend, who recruited him to transport the money from North Carolina to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, in exchange for a payment of $2,000,” states the affidavit.

Quintanar-Hernandez further admitted he believed the money might be from illegal activity, so he decided to hide it. Hernandez allegedly admitted he placed a tire rim on top of the two bags of money in the bed of the pickup truck.

Quintanar-Hernandez initially believed that the money seized was about $40,000 to $50,000. When special agents told him the total amount of money seized was $195,731, Quintanar-Hernandez acknowledged he believed the money was tied to criminal activity.

“(Quintanar-Hernandez) admitted he deleted some of the phone conversations or call history on his cellphone involving his activities,” states the affidavit.

Quintanar-Hernandez was charged with making a false statement and intent to evade currency reporting.

Laredo Morning Times