Laredo CBP Officers Seize Nearly $170K During Outbound Inspection

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations.

A man said he did not declare nearly $170,000 he attempted to smuggle into Mexico because he did not trust U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, according to an arrest affidavit.

Juan Javier Guerrero-Gamez was arrested on the charge of bulk cash smuggling.

Guerrero-Gamez and two other passengers in his vehicle arrived at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge on Jan. 30.

He gave a negative declaration for more than $10,000 in cash to CBP officers who were conducting outbound inspections.

Further inspection of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of $169,243 that were hidden in a compartment behind the center console, according to court documents.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents and task force officers took over the case.

Laredo Morning Times