U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge Port of Entry have seized $78,040 in unreported U.S. currency. The incident occurred on Friday, May 30, when officers conducted a routine outbound inspection of a vehicle driven by a 31-year-old Mexican citizen.
Port Director Tater Ortiz commented on the seizure: "Our CBP officers continue to secure our borders, and their vigilance led to this significant currency seizure." He noted that such seizures often disrupt criminal enterprises by removing their financial resources.
During the inspection, officers discovered the hidden currency within a 2018 BMW. Following this discovery, both the vehicle and the cash were confiscated. The driver was arrested and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for further inquiry.
Carrying more than $10,000 is not illegal; however, failing to declare amounts of $10,000 or more upon entering or exiting the U.S., or concealing it with intent to evade reporting requirements, constitutes a federal offense. Non-compliance can result in arrest or seizure of funds. Individuals may petition for the return of seized money but must demonstrate its legitimate origin and intended use.
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CBP serves as America's frontline border management agency with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national security through various operations across land, air, and sea.
