ROMULUS: Customs officers intercepted more than $550,000 in unclaimed money in August

Published: Saturday, September 18, 2010
Rene Cizio

ROMULUS — In August, Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists at Detroit Metropolitan Airport processed 140,753 passengers, intercepted more than $557,000 in currency, and prohibited entry of more than 2,300 agricultural products, meat items and pests from travelers entering the United States.

Among the travelers were 578 new immigrants to the country.

Enforcement officers processed 42 foreign passengers who were denied entry or allowed to withdraw their applications for entry for to a variety of reasons including entering to live or work here without the proper visa.

Enforcement officers with the assistance of the Customs and Border Patrol Passenger Analysis Unit refused entry to a citizen of the Philippines entering as a visitor. On a previous visit to the U.S., the passenger overstayed her visa.

When questioned, she presented a fraudulent Philippines’ entry stamp as proof that she had left the United States in a timely manner. She was processed as an expedited removal for fraud and misrepresentation and is barred from re-entry for five years.

Additionally, officers processed 80 seizures while conducting baggage examinations, 16 for counterfeit items and 64 for prohibited items.

The products the officers prevent from entering the country are those that would injure community health, public safety, workers, children, or domestic plant and animal life, or those that conflict with national interests.

A large number of interceptions are trademarked and copyrighted articles. The agency enforces laws relating to the protection of trademarks and copyrights. Articles that infringe on a federally registered trademark or copyright are subject to detention and/or seizure.

Officers processed several currency seizures during the month, intercepting $557,489 from passengers who failed to declare their currency when entering or departing the United States.

It is not a crime to transport more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to an officer upon entry or exit to the country.

Agriculture specialists intercepted 1,245 plants and fruits, 784 meat products and 287 pests during the month.

Travelers returning to the United States from a foreign country are prohibited from bringing fresh fruits, meats, plants, birds and plant and animal products that might harbor pests or diseases.

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