Nearly $93,000 Seized at Brownsville Port of Entry

Last Update: 3:51 pm

BROWNSVILLE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound enforcement operations at the Brownsville Port of Entry seized $92,576 in bulk U.S. currency.

CBP officers and Border Patrol agents at the Gateway International Bridge came in contact Thursday with a female pedestrian as she attempted to exit the United States and enter Mexico.

The pedestrian, an 18-year-old from Brownsville, was referred to secondary for further inspection after a primary examination of a suitcase in her possession revealed currency. A search of the suitcase in secondary resulted in the discovery of packages containing bulk U.S. currency hidden within a potato chip can and wrapped in balloons submerged in a container of shampoo.

CBP officers seized the currency; the woman was transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements.

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