Roadside inspection ends in driver arrest after trooper finds $500K in cash in cab

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) shared body cam video from a roadside inspection that led to money laundering charges for a semi truck driver.

The arrest occurred on May 2, 2022, after a semi truck was pulled over for a commercial vehicle safety inspection on U.S. 281 in Jim Wells County, Texas.

According to TXDPS, the trooper found “numerous safety equipment violations” and an expired license plate.

During the inspection, the trooper examined the cab of the truck and discovered several boxes containing $496,472 in U.S. currency.

The truck driver, who is a U.S. citizen, was arrested on money laundering charges.

The incident remains under investigation by TXDPS.

According to TXDPS, troopers have seized more than $38 million in currency as part of Operation Lone Star. Operation Lone Star is a border security initiative that was launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in March 2021.

See below for body cam video from the roadside inspection and cash seizure.