CBP Seizes $321,000 in Unreported Cash

CBP Seizes $321,000 in Unreported Cash

(Wednesday, November 28, 2012)

Nogales, Ariz. — A local man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than $321,000 in unreported currency into Mexico through the Dennis DeConcini Port.

Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents were conducting outbound inspections when a Chevrolet truck driven by Mauricio Antonio Romero, a 27-year-old U.S. citizen was selected for additional inspection. CBP officers found 33 packages of currency hidden in a spare tire. The vehicle and cash were processed for seizure. Romero was referred for prosecution.

Individuals arrested may be charged by complaint, the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity, which raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

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 terriost weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/local/11282012_11.xml