Indicators of Illicit Activity

• Vacuum-sealed bundles of U.S. currency
• Hidden compartments / aftermarket electronic traps
• Conflicting travel or story timelines
• Use of rental or third-party vehicles
• Currency with strong odors (e.g., marijuana, drug residue)
• No employment or financial records to support possession of funds

K9 Deployment Guidelines

• K9 sniff during a lawful vehicle stop is permitted
• Deployment must not prolong the stop beyond a reasonable time unless independent probable cause (PC) exists
• Always document:
  • K9 certifications / uncirculated US Currency K9 training logs
  • Handler training records
  • Alert behavior during the stop

Hidden Compartments / Electronic Traps

Common Signs

• Fresh Bondo or paint
• Aftermarket screws or visible tool marks
• Relay switches, modified consoles, or panels
• Interior inconsistencies or unusual voids
• Odors or inconsistent temperatures (especially in commercial trucks)

Tools & Techniques

• Borescopes
• Density meters
• Trace Detection Equipment
• Hand Held X-Rays

Seizure of Currency

Establish Probable Cause (PC)

Use the totality of circumstances, such as:

• Large amounts of bundled cash
• Lack of a legitimate explanation for possession
• Hidden locations or attempts to conceal
• K9 alert on the area or object
• Masking odors to conceal Illicit US Currency such as Scented dryer sheets / Axle Grease / plastic saran wrap / vacuum sealed

Document Thoroughly

• Photographs:
  • Cash in place
  • During counting
  • Bagged and sealed
  • Photograph of compartments
• Video evidence whenever possible (dash cam or body-worn camera)
• Complete a receipt form
• Write a statement of circumstances, including:
  • Time and location
  • Basis for PC
  • Investigation into income / Did they pay Federal Taxes / Prove its illicit US Currency

Count and Secure

• Use dash or body-worn cameras during count
• Follow evidence room protocols or use approved field counting machines
• Package currency in tamper-evident bags
• Maintain a clear chain of custody at all times
• Have multiple Officers witness

Provide Legal Notice

• Give the suspect a Notice of Seizure
• Advise them of their legal rights to contest the seizure

File Forfeiture Paperwork

• Submit documentation as soon as possible
• Coordinate with your assigned AUSA or state attorney