News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 04, 2005

Over $180,000 In Nickels Recovered

Bags of nickels.

FEB 4--Miami Field Division Group 5 agents, in conjunction with agents and officers from the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Miami-Dade Police Department, obtained consent to search a residence in south Miami-Dade County. Information indicated that the residence was being utilized as a marijuana grow location. Agents also learned that approximately $183,000 in U.S. nickels was buried on the grounds of the residence. During the initial search of the residence, agents and officers discovered a cooler with five bags of nickels. Agents also discovered a bucket containing nickels in a shed behind the house. Agents then obtained consent to search a rental property, located on the residence's grounds. Agents discovered an elaborate marijuana grow with approximately 88 marijuana plants.

Bags of nickels.

A subject then agents were the nickels were buried. Agents discovered several bags of nickels, sealed in canvas bags with various bank labels. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents were then notified and responded to the location. The FBI agents indicated that the nickels were stolen from a Federal Reserve shipment, around December 21, 2004, that originated in Newark and was destined for New Orleans. The truck originally transporting the nickels had been found abandoned at a Fort Pierce truck stop.