C.B.P. News Release

Texas CBP Officers and Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than $90K during Outbound Operation

(Friday, June 17, 2011)

Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound enforcement operations at the Brownsville port of entry seized $92,576.

On June 16, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Gateway International Bridge came in contact with an 18 year-old female pedestrian attempting to exit the U.S. and enter Mexico. The female, a Brownsville, Texas resident, was referred to secondary for further inspection after a primary examination of a suitcase in her possession revealed currency. In secondary, a search of the suitcase resulted in the discovery of packages containing bulk U.S. currency hidden within a potato chip can, and wrapped in balloons submerged in a container of shampoo.

CBP officers seized the currency; the woman was transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.

“Outbound enforcement inspections are critical to our efforts of keeping undeclared currency form being exported without meeting proper reporting requirements. I commend our team for an outstanding seizure and arrest in this alleged bulk currency smuggling case,â€