PHARR, Texas (Border Report) — Homeland Security officers recently seized over $85,000 in unreported cash hidden in a vehicle that was trying to drive to Mexico from South Texas.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized the cash April 14 during an outbound inspection at the Pharr International Bridge.

The vehicle was driven by a 19-year-old U.S. citizen whose car was scanned using non-intrusive inspection technology.

The technology is being used increasingly throughout ports of entry connecting South Texas with Mexico. And will be incorporated in a new expansion of a heavily trafficked Border Patrol checkpoint north of Laredo.

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000 in cash, however, it is a federal offense not to declare the currency to a CBP officer at a port of entry.

“Inspection skill and experience contributed to this significant outbound currency seizure,” Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said in a statement. “These types of seizures, often involving proceeds from illicit activity, have significant impact and reflect CBP’s ongoing commitment to our priority border security mission.”

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.