C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers in Nogales Stop Nearly $40,000 in Undeclared Currency from Leaving the U.S. for Mexico

(Thursday, September 17, 2009)

Nogales, Ariz. – While screening travelers entering and leaving the United States on Monday and Tuesday Customs and Border Protection officers in Nogales seized a total of $38,596 in U.S. currency in three separate incidents from four violators who failed to declare the money to officers when leaving the U.S.

Monday at 7:35 p.m. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conducting southbound operations at the DeConcini port of entry stopped a 2006 black Lincoln Mark VI driven by a Patagonia, Ariz., woman. CBP officers referred the vehicle, driver and another female passenger for an intensive exam and search. CBP officers discovered and seized a total of $15,655 in undeclared currency hidden under the clothing of the two women.

The second incident occurred on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. when CBP officers screening travelers at the Mariposa crossing questioned a La Huacana, Mexico man who gave a negative declaration to CBP officers. The man who was traveling with his family was referred for an intensive exam and search. CBP officers discovered the man was carrying $11,775 which is over the reporting threshold of $10,000. CBP officers seized the $11,775.

The third incident, also on Tuesday, occurred at 7:18 p.m. when CBP officers referred a Phoenix man for an intensive exam and search. CBP officers noticed a large bulge, but the man only declared $6,000 to officers. CBP officers discovered and seized a total $11,166 in U.S. currency.

In all three cases the currency was seized as the result of failure to comply with currency reporting requirements and the violators were processed and referred to special agents with 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
Brian Levin
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (520) 407-2319 or
(800) 973-2867
Fax: (520) 407-2350

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_7.xml