November 19, 2003 Jim Wells County, Texas
Trooper seizes $5.3 million in cash during a traffic stop of a tractor trailer

DPS troopers seized $5.3 million during a traffic stop in Jim Wells County. The seizure is the largest ever during a DPS traffic stop, topping a $3.2 million cash seizure in November 2002 in San Patricio County.

Two Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers pulled over the 18-wheeler for a routine commercial vehicle inspection about 5 p.m. Wednesday 11 miles north of Alice.

The truck was southbound on U.S. 281. The occupants in the truck lacked proper paperwork and gave conflicting stories. During an inspection of the cargo area, troopers discovered 11 boxes filled with cash, mixed in with boxes of frozen dinner rolls. One man was arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety