C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers in Calif. Intercept $257,280 in U.S. Currency Bound for Mexico

(Wednesday, February 23, 2011)

Andrade, Calif — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted $257,280 in undeclared U.S. currency during an outbound enforcement operation at the Andrade port of entry Monday evening.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. when officers conducting outbound inspections stopped a 22-year-old female U.S. citizen and resident of Mira Loma, Calif., driving a tan 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

An intensive examination of the Trailblazer that included a canine unit screening the vehicle led to the discovery of 16 wrapped packages containing U.S. currency concealed inside a non-factory compartment in the rear passenger floor area.

CBP officers arrested the driver and turned her over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for further investigation. CBP seized the money and vehicle.

Port Director Raymond Nagy said, “This seizure demonstrates the dedication of our officers to enforcing U.S. laws and stopping the flow of illegal proceeds and weapons from going into Mexico.â€