REFUGIO — Approximately $133,140 of suspected drug money was found Friday night at 9:58 stashed in an 18-wheeler hauling frozen hog fat to Mexico.

The driver, Jose M. Sierra, 37, of Hialeah, Fla., is charged with money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for the third-degree felony.

Sierra remains in jail, with bail set at $250,000.

Sheriff Robert Bolcik said the suspect claims he had no knowledge of the money being among his load of hog fat.

“He said he was on his first trip with that company,” Bolcik said.

The two bundles of cash were wrapped in red tape and wrapped together in cellophane, according to Bolcik.

“The bundle was brought back to the sheriff’s office and counted,” Bolcik said.

Deputy Jeff Raymond stopped the driver of the 18-wheeler north of Refugio near Hilcorp for an equipment violation. While Raymond was checking the driver’s log book and paperwork, he suspected contraband might be inside, according to the sheriff.

“The deputy was given consent to search and he discovered the currency,” Bolcik said.