Authorities Seized $900,000 In Drug Cash On Mexico-Bound Plane

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents received a tip about a private plane at San Antonio International Airport that was being used to smuggle drugs and cash between the United States and Mexico.

Authorities stopped the plane as it was preparing to depart for Monterrey, Mexico and questioned the four passengers and pilot. They searched the plane and discovered almost $900,000 in cash hidden inside of seven sealed boxes.  

19-year-old Rafael Gabriel Martinez Leal admitted to the federal agents that the cash was his and that he was behind the massive cash-smuggling ring. Joan Pablo Hoyos Avila, who is also 19 years old, told authorities that he has been involved in the operation since January and would collect cash from individuals and hold it for Martinez. 

According to the San Antonio Express-News, Martinez was smuggling around one-million dollars every week and took a three-and-a-half percent cut of all the cash. 

The pilot and two other passengers denied having any knowledge of the smuggling operation.

Martinez and Avila were booked on charges of bulk-cash smuggling and face up to five years behind bars if they are convicted.

Photo: Getty Images


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