CBP News Release

U.S. Customs and Border Protection New York Officers Arrest Currency Smuggler

(Wednesday, November 12, 2008)

Buffalo, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced the arrest of a Canadian citizen who attempted to smuggle $458,140 into the United States.

On November 10, CBP officers encountered a 32-year-old Canadian citizen from Burlington, Ontario, as he applied for admission into the United States at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, N.Y. During the primary inspection, the subject claimed that he was en route to a local college to inquire about possible enrollment, and then to shop at a local mall. At the completion of the primary inspection, the subject was referred to CBP for a secondary enforcement exam.

During the course of the secondary inspection, the subject advised CBP officers that he was not importing any merchandise into the United States and was in possession of $400.00. CBP officers were performing a physical exam of the subject’s 2003 Honda Pilot, when they then discovered a discrepancy in the rear cargo area. A closer inspection revealed a hidden compartment accessible by a hydraulic lift. When the compartment was accessed, CBP officers discovered seven large vacuum-sealed bags of U.S. currency. CBP seized the currency, which totaled $458,140 and the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt.

“This significant currency seizure represents one of many recent noteworthy enforcement actions by CBP officers in the Port of Buffalo.â€