South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force (STTF) announced today the arrest of former Mexico Professional Soccer Player Mario Agustín BUENO-Castillo. He’s suspected of smuggling large amounts of cash between the U.S. and Mexico.
The former player for Liga Premier Teams Atlante, Atlas, Tigres and Chivas, was driving a Nissan Versa and was stopped for speeding on U.S. Highway 77 in Kleberg County, Texas.
During the stop, agents discovered two false compartments built beneath the driver’s and passenger seat floorboards of the vehicle. Four large bundles containing a total of $267,40400 were found hidden inside.
The suspected drug money was seized and BUENO-Castillo was arrested. Homeland Security from Corpus Christi, Texas will assist STTF agents in federally prosecuting him. BUENO-Castillo was initially booked at the Kleberg County Jail, then moved to the Brooks County Detention Center in Falfurrias, Texas, where he will be held pending filing of a Federal Criminal Complaint charging him with violations for “Bulk cash smuggling into or out of the United States”.
Investigators suspect drug proceeds were being transported from Houston, Texas, to Mexico. He claimed his current employment included working as a scout looking for young talent for the Mexico Soccer League.
