A traveler was arrested at Puerto Escondido International Airport on Thursday after a routine inspection revealed he was carrying about 500,000 pesos (US $26,000) in cash.
The discovery was made while National Guard officers and private airport security personnel carried out inspections with X-ray equipment, detecting wads of what appeared to be Mexican currency in a suitcase.
Upon physically inspecting the luggage, and with the authorization of the owner, security personnel found several packages containing 500-peso bills. A pat down of the frustrated traveler and his belongings resulted in the discovery of even more cash, amounting to 10,100 pesos.
The person was unable to provide documentation proving the legal origin and possession of the cash, for which he was placed under arrest.
The unidentified traveler was turned over to federal prosecutors.
With reports by El Universal
