C.B.P. News Release

Nogales CBP Officers Seize Currency Hidden in Holiday Popcorn Tin

(Wednesday, December 30, 2009)

Nogales, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the DeConcini port of entry yesterday discovered $39,150 in undeclared currency hidden inside a holiday popcorn tin. A 19-year-old man from Sonora, Mexico is arrested.

On Monday, December 28, CBP officers working at the DeConcini port of entry were conducting routine inspections of travelers leaving the United States when they selected the 19-year-old man for inspection. After initial questioning, CBP officers referred the man for further examination.

In secondary, officers utilized a CBP Currency/Weapons Detector Dog who alerted to the popcorn tin. Officers opened the popcorn tin and discovered eight bundles of money hidden within. The bundles were removed and a total of $39,150 of undeclared currency was seized.

The man was arrested and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.

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

Contacts For This News Release
Edith Serrano
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (520) 375-5785 or
(520) 761-2863

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_2.xml