Hundreds of thousands in undeclared currency, a couple smuggling illegal aliens, and a huge double drug bust made up this week’s most startling busts on the Texas border.

Here are the three biggest seizures that most of the national press missed:

1. CASHING OUT: Nearly 200K Seized On Hidalgo International Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized $177,500 in undeclared U.S. currency during an outbound inspection at the Hidalgo International Bridge, further highlighting efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit profits across the southern border.

The discovery occurred May 20 when CBP officers selected a 2011 Dodge for routine secondary inspection, a CBP press release stated. Hidden inside the vehicle, officers reportedly found five packages containing stacks of bulk currency totaling $177,500.

“Our frontline CBP officers maintain strict vigilance whether they are conducting inbound or outbound examinations, and their attention to detail resulted in this significant currency seizure,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.

While it is legal to carry large amounts of cash, U.S. law requires travelers to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more. Concealing funds to avoid this requirement is a federal offense and can result in criminal charges, forfeiture of the funds, or both.

The undeclared cash was seized, and Homeland Security Investigations launched a criminal probe into the source and intended use of the funds. Individuals whose money is seized can petition for its return, but they must demonstrate where the funds came from and that they were meant for lawful purposes, BorderReport reported.

This latest seizure at the Hidalgo Port of Entry underscores CBP’s ongoing mission to secure the U.S. economy from illicit activity and the laundering of criminal proceeds.

2. Checkpoint Bust: Agents Nab Alleged Smugglers in Eagle Pass

Federal border agents in Eagle Pass say they disrupted an attempted alien smuggling operation on May 19 when they stopped two individuals at a checkpoint and discovered undocumented migrants hidden in their vehicle.

A photo attached to the post indicated that the suspects were being charged under 8 U.S. Code § 1324, a federal law that prohibits bringing in and harboring certain aliens. If convicted, the two individuals could face up to 10 years in prison per count, plus potential fines. The penalties increase significantly if the act involved injury, reckless disregard for human life, or was done for profit.

CBP has not publicly released the accused’s names or the checkpoint location where the arrest occurred.

According to federal guidance, § 1324 charges are commonly used against individuals who facilitate illegal border crossings, conceal noncitizens inside vehicles, or transport them within the country without authorization.

The case has been referred to Homeland Security Investigations.

3. DOUBLE TROUBLE: Nearly $2M in Cocaine Seized in Dual Border Busts

Federal agents intercepted two large shipments of cocaine worth nearly $2 million over the weekend in separate busts at Texas border crossings, underscoring the persistent flow of narcotics into the United States.

The first bust occurred Friday, May 16, at the Hidalgo International Bridge, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers selected a 2002 Ford Ranger for secondary inspection. The vehicle, driven by a 21-year-old American citizen, was found to be carrying 28 tightly wrapped packages of cocaine hidden inside. The total weight was 74 pounds, with an estimated street value of $989,049.

“This seizure illustrates the effective combination of CBP officer skill, experience, and the utilization of all tools and resources, including our canines, to zero in on hidden narcotics,” said Port Director Rogelio Olivares.

Hours later, Rio Grande City International Bridge officers made a second major bust. After moving a tractor-trailer to secondary inspection, a canine alert led to the discovery of 69.44 pounds of cocaine stashed inside a hidden compartment—estimated value: $956,070.

Together, the seizures netted 143.51 pounds of cocaine with a combined street value of $1.94 million, The Dallas Express previously reported.

Packages containing 74.07 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge 05/19/25 press release; Packages containing 69.44 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Rio Grande City Port of Entry 05/19/25 press release | Images by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

In both cases, the vehicles and narcotics were seized, and the drivers were taken into custody. The Hidalgo arrest was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations, while the Rio Grande City case is being handled by Starr County’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Officers.

“These kinds of seizures underscore the reality of the drug threat and the importance of advancing our border security mission,” added Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.

To read about last week’s biggest border busts, click here: Texas Takedown Weekly: Border’s Biggest Busts (May 16)