A routine traffic stop on US 59 in the Cleveland area by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Interdiction Unit resulted in a $1,045,893 seizure of cash that reportedly was found in a hidden compartment of the vehicle, according to Liberty County Sheriff Bobby Rader.
Deputies stopped an out-of-state 2011 white Ford Ranger and became suspicious when the driver’s account of his travel plans allegedly had discrepancies. A consensual search of the vehicle was conducted and deputies suspicions were further raised when they found non-factory work in the bed area of the pickup.
After further inspection, the deputies reportedly found vacuum-sealed packages of U.S. currency hidden inside an after-market false compartment.
“Prior experience taught the deputies that this type of compartment is commonly used by criminal organizations to smuggle illegal contraband past law enforcement officers,” said Rader in a statement.
The deputies were not able to access the compartment along the roadside. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic shop for assistance, which proved to be very valuable.
“The truck bed had a false bottom with aftermarket wiring. When power was provided a hydraulic lift raised the truck bed and the compartment was exposed. The deputies found 33 bundles of U.S. Currency in vacuum sealed packaging. Again, this is a common way that criminal organizations attempt to conceal the currency so that narcotic trained K-9’s have a difficult time detecting the contraband,” Rader said.
The currency was confiscated and placed in a seizure account. The name of the defendant is being withheld due to the continuing investigation. A check of his criminal history reportedly shows that he has multiple cases of money laundering. Criminal charges will be filed on this case and more charges are possible.
Maybe y’all should use that money to fix Plum Grove road lol