Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry intercepted $44,148 in unreported currency during an outbound examination last Wednesday. The discovery was made when a 27-year-old woman driving a 2024 sedan was stopped while traveling southbound into Mexico from the United States.

On January 8, around 12:30 p.m., CBP officers referred the driver and her vehicle for a secondary inspection. During this process, a CBP K-9 unit alerted officers to a white plastic bag containing food items. Further inspection revealed a brown package inside the bag, which contained the unreported cash.

Mariza Marin, Area Port Director of San Ysidro, stated, “Through diligent enforcement efforts during an outbound operation, our officers successfully intercepted cash proceeds commonly associated with illicit activities that fuel transnational criminal organizations.” She added that disrupting such operations is crucial for preventing criminal organizations from accessing financial resources that support their networks.

The currency was seized by CBP officers, and Homeland Security Investigations special agents have initiated a criminal investigation.

While carrying more than $10,000 is not illegal, failing to declare such amounts or concealing them with intent to evade reporting requirements is a federal offense. This can lead to temporary or permanent seizure of the currency and/or arrest. Individuals may petition for the return of seized currency but must prove its legitimate source and intended use.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serves as America's frontline law enforcement organization and is recognized as the world's first unified border management agency. With over 65,000 personnel, CBP protects America on land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade to ensure economic prosperity.