Man tries to sneak $40K across Mexican border

2010-02-03 / News

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Authorities say a Mexican man has been indicted on federal currency smuggling charges after being caught trying to sneak nearly $40,000 in cash out of Arizona in an aluminum can.

Federal prosecutors say 19-year-old Josue Tamayo- Toledo was arrested Dec. 28 at the Grand Avenue port of entry in Nogales, Ariz., as he attempted to enter Mexico.

Tamayo-Toledo said he only had $4 when asked by customs officials if he had any cash to declare, but an inspection of his belongings found $39,150 concealed in a can he was carrying.

He also told authorities he was being paid $1,000 to smuggle the money into Mexico. Tamayo-Toledo is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 11.

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