WILLS POINT, TX – Two Chinese nationals are behind bars in East Texas after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of nearly 20 gold bars in their vehicle on Interstate 20. The men, now facing money laundering charges, were apprehended on Thursday by a Wills Point police officer.
The officer, who had pulled over the vehicle for a traffic violation just east of Canton, became suspicious of the occupants’ behavior. Utilizing translation services available to law enforcement, the officer’s suspicions were heightened, prompting a search of the vehicle. A police canine alerted the officer to the presence of the gold bars, valued at approximately $250,000.
Following the arrest, authorities collaborated with Homeland Security, revealing that both men had entered the United States illegally from Mexico earlier this year. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about border security and its impact on local communities.
“If you don’t see that the chaos at the border is affecting East Texas, yesterday’s arrest is a prime example,” an official remarked, highlighting the broader implications of the discovery.
The gold bars, if proven to be proceeds of illegal activity, will be seized and allocated to the county to support law enforcement efforts. “This allows us to take it from the criminals and put it in our budget,” an official explained, noting that the funds would be used for acquiring more tools and training for officers.
However, if the court does not establish that the gold was obtained through criminal means, the county will be required to return the bars to the men. Until then, both individuals remain in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.