C.B.P. News Release

Baltimore CBP Seizes Nearly $47K in Unreported Currency
(Friday, October 28, 2011)

Baltimore — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport seized $46,800 Thursday from a Nigerian man for violating federal currency reporting regulations.

The passenger, who arrived to BWI from London and was destined for Maryland, repeatedly declared possessing only $12,000 verbally and on a written declaration. While examining the passenger’s luggage, CBP officers discovered an additional $40,000 in U.S. currency in a zippered pouch.

There is no limit to how much currency travelers can import or export; however federal law requires travelers to report amounts exceeding $10,000 in U.S. dollars or equivalent foreign currency.

CBP officers seized the $52,000, and then returned $5,200 to the passenger for humanitarian relief. CBP officers also advised the traveler how to petition for his remaining currency, and released him without criminal charges.

“Federal currency reporting requirements are quite clear and CBP officers provide ample opportunities for travelers to truthfully comply,â€