November 14, 2002 San Patricio County, Texas
Texas Trooper seizes $3.2 million dollars in cash during a traffic stop

DPS Highway Patrol troopers seized $3,227,604 during a traffic stop Friday on U.S. 77 six miles north of Sinton in San Patricio County.

This seizure is the largest ever during a DPS traffic stop. In 2000, DPS troopers seized $2,660,000 in cash during a stop in Farwell in the Panhandle.

Troopers stopped a rental truck for speeding. After the driver and passenger gave conflicting stories about their travels, they granted permission for a search of the truck. The cash was found in three large duffel bags in the back of the truck.

Two men, Michael David Meier, 40, of Brownsville and James Lee Meier, 38, of Los Fresnos, were arrested and charged with money laundering, a first-degree felony. The punishment range for a first-degree felony is 5 to 99 years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.

Source: Texas Department of Safety