Docs: CBP inspection reveals 200 rounds of ammo, $150k in cash hidden in speaker in Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized $159,531 in cash and 200 rounds of ammunition in Brownsville.

On Wednesday, a 36-year-old Mexican resident, identified as Jesus Alejandro Soto Ramos, driving a 2015 Chevrolet along with a 36-year-old passenger, identified as Jose Luis Vega Garcia, attempted to cross into the U.S. at the Brownsville Port of Entry, a criminal complaint stated.

According to a release from CBP, the vehicle was selected for a routine secondary inspection.

During the inspection, authorities discovered a bulk of U.S. currency, worth $159,531 and 200 rounds of .380 ammunition hidden inside the speaker system in the rear section of the vehicle, the complaint stated.

"It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements," CBP stated in the release. "Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest."

Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested both men and a criminal investigation was initiated. During questioning, Soto told investigators that he was approached by people from Mexico and agreed to take the money and ammunition and deliver it, the complaint stated.

Additionally, Soto told investigators he knew what he was doing was illegal and it was his first time doing it, the document added.

Vega told agents during the interview that he knew there was money and ammunition hidden within the vehicle and they both attempted to cross the prohibited items for financial gain.

Both Soto and Vega told agents they would be paid one percent of the total amount taken, the document stated.

The two men made their initial appearance in federal court on Friday, where they remain held without bond.