NEW YORK: U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agents conducting outbound examinations at the Laredo Port of Entry this week seized nearly half a million in undeclared currency in a single enforcement action.
“This is one of the larger seizures of undeclared currency we have seen in recent memory and is reflective of a robust enforcement posture and an effective application of the skill and training of our frontline officers,” said Port Director Joseph Misenhelter, Laredo Port of Entry.
The seizure occured on July 27 at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge when CBP officers and agents conducting outbound examinations referred a 2010 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by a 43-year-old male U.S. citizen from Laredo, Texas for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers discovered bundles containing $481,711 in undeclared currency hidden within the vehicle.
CBP officers seized the currency, arrested the driver and turned him over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
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.
