The detention of a murder suspect and the seizure of cash were the result of two different investigation conducted recently by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Laredo and Eagle Pass.
In the first case, Eagle Pass officers manning the International Bridge were conducting outbound examinations of traffic headed into Mexico. The Maverick County sheriff deputies were also participating in the operation.
One of the vehicles stopped was a 2009 Lincoln MKS driven by a 67-year-old U.S. citizen from the local community. During secondary search, the officers discovered 18 bundles that contained a total of $333,234 in unreported currency. The U.S. cash was hidden within the vehicle’s undercarriage and dash board.
An investigation of the suspect and origin of the undeclared cash was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. The vehicle was also seized.
Cynthia Rodriguez, CBP Port Director at Eagle Pass called the seizure a reflection “of the force multiplier of CBP officers, Border Patrol and local sheriff deputies working together.”
In the Laredo operation, an East Texas man wanted on an outstanding homicide warrant from Brazoria County was arrested at the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge. The suspect, Felipe Daniel Flores, 20, was entering the U.S. as a passenger in tourist bus. The Alvin, Texas citizen was apprehended during a secondary examination of the passengers. Once CBP officers verified Flores identification, it showed that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest on murder charges. The suspect was taken to the Webb County jail and following extradition proceedings should be moved to Brazoria County located near Houston.
CBP Port Director Sidney Aki said the arrest underscores the commitment of CBP officers in keeping the U.S. border safe and secured.
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