Texas CBP Officers and Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than $90K during Outbound Operation

Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound enforcement operations at the Brownsville port of entry seized $92,576.

On June 16, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Gateway International Bridge came in contact with an 18 year-old female pedestrian attempting to exit the U.S. and enter Mexico. The female, a Brownsville, Texas resident, was referred to secondary for further inspection after a primary examination of a suitcase in her possession revealed currency. In secondary, a search of the suitcase resulted in the discovery of packages containing bulk U.S. currency hidden within a potato chip can, and wrapped in balloons submerged in a container of shampoo.

CBP officers seized the currency; the woman was transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.

“Outbound enforcement inspections are critical to our efforts of keeping undeclared currency form being exported without meeting proper reporting requirements. I commend our team for an outstanding seizure and arrest in this alleged bulk currency smuggling case,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.