Border Agents Seize $80,000 in Cartel Cash, Cocaine Shipments

Customs and Border Protection officers stop drug money from entering Mexico and cocaine from entering the U.S.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:39pm

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Ysleta Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas have seized over $80,000 in undeclared currency and more than 40 kilograms of cocaine in separate incidents over the past few weeks. The cash seizures are believed to be attempts by Mexican criminal organizations to repatriate profits back to Mexico, while the drug busts have disrupted the supply chain of the Mexican drug cartels.

Why it matters

These seizures highlight the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to disrupt the financial operations and supply chains of Mexican drug cartels. By intercepting both the flow of illicit cash and narcotics, CBP is working to undermine the power and profits of these criminal organizations on both sides of the border.

The details

On January 22nd, CBP officers inspecting vehicles heading south into Mexico found $40,320 in undeclared currency hidden in the driver's jacket of a 2012 Dodge Ram. The day prior, officers seized $38,371 in improperly declared currency from a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder after a CBP dog detected the presence of currency and firearms. Additionally, on January 22nd and 24th, officers discovered over 40 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the trunks of a Chevrolet Sonic and a Honda Civic entering from Mexico.

  • On January 22, 2026, CBP officers seized $40,320 in undeclared currency and 15.92 kilograms of cocaine.
  • On January 23, 2026, CBP officers seized $38,371 in improperly declared currency.
  • On January 24, 2026, CBP officers seized 25.78 kilograms of cocaine.

The players

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing the U.S. borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel.

Arnoldo Gomez

The Port Director for the Ysleta Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas.

ICE's Homeland Security Investigations

The investigative arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that focuses on cross-border criminal activity.

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What they’re saying

“By interdicting the flow of narcotics north and intercepting undeclared currency going south, our U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have disrupted both the supply chain and profits of the Mexican Drug Cartels.”

— Arnoldo Gomez, Port Director, Ysleta Port of Entry

What’s next

CBP and Homeland Security Investigations will continue to work together to identify and disrupt the financial operations and drug trafficking activities of Mexican cartels on both sides of the border.

The takeaway

These seizures demonstrate the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to target the financial infrastructure and supply chains of Mexican drug cartels, which are critical to disrupting their power and influence on both sides of the border.