CBP Seizes $111,815 in Undeclared Currency at Laredo Port of Entry

Laredo, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agents at the Laredo Port of Entry seized $111,815 in undeclared currency during a routine outbound examination.

The currency seizure occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge. A CBP officer referred a southbound 2007 Cadillac CTS for a secondary examination. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination and discovered 22 bundles hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers seized a total of $111,815 in undeclared currency.

CBP officers seized the currency and turned the driver, a 30-year-old Mexican citizen from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.

“This seizure illustrates the ongoing vigilance of our officers facing a steady stream of paisano traffic and their ability to find hidden contraband mixed in with legitimate traffic,” said Sidney Aki, CBP Port Director, Laredo. “Seizures like these short circuit alleged attempts to circumvent currency reporting requirements and help keep our borders safe and secure.”

Individuals are permitted to carry any amount of currency or monetary instruments into or out of the U.S. However, if the quantity is $10,000 or higher, they must formally report the currency to CBP. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.

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.