Two arrested at border bound for Mexico with nearly $500,000

LA Times
September 12, 2009

Two Mexican nationals were arrested early this morning while attempting to leave the U.S. via the Otay Mesa checkpoint with a duffel bag stuffed with nearly $500,000 in undeclared money, officials said.

The two are set to be arraigned on charges of felony cash smuggling. Federal law meant to deter drug gangs makes it a crime to leave or enter the U.S. with more than $10,000 without declaring it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Two brothers, ages 24 and 30, were stopped in a 1998 Chevrolet Astro van about 2:30 a.m. by federal border agents.

The duffel bag, containing $499,620, was found in a pile in the back of the van. The two were also carrying $1,291 in their pockets, officials said.

Undeclared money is subject to seizure and confiscation under federal law.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Duffel bag stuffed with cash seized at border. Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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