YUMA, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents working at the Interstate 8 Immigration Checkpoint seized $500 in counterfeit currency and arrested an illegal alien during an attempted smuggling event Sunday night.
At approximately 11:10 p.m., Wellton station agents referred a black 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt with three occupants to the secondary inspection following a Border Patrol canine alert. The driver and front seat passenger were U.S. citizens from Yuma and Winchester, California. The backseat passenger was identified as a Mexican national unlawfully present in the United States. While searching the vehicle, agents also discovered five counterfeit $100 bills in the front passenger door.
The U.S. citizens were cited for the counterfeit bills and the illegal alien was arrested for immigration violations. The counterfeit money and vehicle were seized.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.