A stash of $54,000 in unreported U.S. currency was found in frozen tortilla dough in a van headed into Mexico at the San Luis port.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found the money within the dough inside an ice chest in a Honda van March 23, according to a news release.

The bags of tortilla dough were taken apart, revealing two packages of currency of varying denominations, authorities said.

A 54-year-old Mexican national, who was driving the van, was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.

The van and contraband were seized.

On March 24, federal officers also arrested a 35-year-old Mexican national after finding about $126,000 worth of methamphetamine in his PT Cruiser at the DeConcini crossing in Nogales, authorities said.

More than 42 pounds of meth were found within the rear quarter panels and in the windshield wiper reservoir, states a news release.

The man was turned over to federal authorities. The vehicle and drugs were seized.


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Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. On Twitter: @cduartestar