C.B.P. News Release

$239,720 in Undeclared Currency Seized During Outbound Traveler Inspection at San Luis Port

(Monday, June 22, 2009)

San Luis, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working to interdict weapons and undeclared currency heading out of the United States made two major interceptions this past week, seizing $239,720 and arresting two Mexican men as a result of the failed attempts at smuggling the money out of the country.

The first seizure happened late on Wednesday night, June 17, when officers inspecting travelers and vehicles exiting the country stopped a 26-year-old Mexican man who was driving a 2003 Chevy Silverado to Mexico through the San Luis port of entry. During routine questioning, the officers became suspicious of his answers and called for a CBP currency detection canine team to assist with an inspection of the vehicle. The dog alerted to the engine area of the vehicle, prompting an intensive inspection. Officers discovered a compartment built into the engine transmission that, when opened, revealed bundles of U.S. currency hidden inside.

The officers seized a total of $119,620 and turned the driver over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

The second seizure happened early Sunday morning, June 21, when CBP officers and Border Patrol agents were inspecting travelers and vehicles exiting the country through the same port of entry became suspicious of the driver of a Ford Expedition. During an intensive inspection of the vehicle and contents, CBP officers discovered bundles of U.S. currency hidden inside boxes of laundry detergent.

Officers seized at total of $120,100 and turned the driver, a 46-year-old Mexican man, over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

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.

Contacts For This News Release
Brian Levin
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (520) 407-2319 or
(800) 973-2867
Fax: (520) 407-2350

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_6.xml