Philadelphia CBP Seize $64K in Undeclared Currency

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Second Currency Seizure in Nine Days from Passengers from Greece

Philadelphia—Customs and Border Protection officers at Philadelphia International Airport seized more than $64,000 in undeclared currency from an elderly passenger returning from Greece Wednesday.

This is the second currency seizure from passengers returning from Greece in nine days. CBP officers seized $139,349 concealed in black socks Sept. 20 from a couple in their 70’s. Neither case is related.

In the latest case, CBP officers discovered $4,740 in U.S. dollars and $43,640 in Euros during a luggage inspection. The Euros equal more than $59,400 in U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The 71-year-old man declared, both verbally and in writing, that he understood the currency reporting requirements and that he possessed only $3,240 in U.S. dollars and $350 in euros. 

CBP officers seized the currency for violating federal currency reporting laws and returned $1,040 euros as humanitarian relief. CBP officers also advised the man how to petition for his currency, and released him without criminal charges.

“These seizures reinforce the notion that no one is immune from violating U.S. laws,” said Allan Martocci, CBP port director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. “These passengers learned a very difficult and valuable lesson -- the importance of truthfully complying with U.S. laws and regulations.”

“The easiest way for passengers to hold on to their currency is to truthfully declare it,” Martocci said.

There is no limit to how much currency travelers can import or export; however, federal law requires travelers to declare amounts exceeding $10,000 in U.S. dollars or equivalent foreign currency.

In addition to narcotics interdiction, CBP routinely conducts random inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture products or other illicit items.

Travelers are encouraged visit CBP’s Travel website to learn rules governing travel to and from the U.S.

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.