Authorities say the Frenchie was reunited with family members after posing for a photo of the confiscated cash.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Special Agents with the Kleberg County Attorney’s Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Highway 77 near Riviera, Texas. According to a statement posted by the Task Force on its Facebook page, authorities used probable cause to search the car, which appeared to be a three-row SUV.
During roadside interviews with the occupants, the agents noted signs that suggested possible criminal activity. This prompted them to request and (surprisingly?) receive consent to search the vehicle.
There didn’t seem to be anything suspect in plain view. However, in examining the right rear interior quarter panel, the agents observed what they described in a Facebook post as “discrepancies” in the area.
Upon closer inspection, they uncovered an after-market compartment containing 23 bundles wrapped tightly in black tape. Authorities confiscated them during the traffic stop and inspected the packages later. They also mentioned a pup named Chula, a French bulldog who was traveling with the individuals.
The agents also deployed a K-9, which alerted to the vehicle.
Later, investigators determined the bundles contained $250,245 in cash that allegedly came from illegal activities. The three individuals were arrested and taken to the Kleberg County jail.
The Task Force thanked the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Special Investigations Unit for assisting with the traffic stop and the resulting case. Chula was released to family members the next day.
