U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized more than $272,000 in unreported U.S. currency during an outbound inspection on April 21, according to a May 1 announcement.
The incident occurred when officers at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge selected a southbound 2017 Dodge Journey driven by a 46-year-old female Mexican citizen for routine inspection. After referring the vehicle for secondary inspection and using nonintrusive technology, officers found $272,940 hidden within the floor of the vehicle. Both the car and cash were seized. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and have begun a criminal investigation into the case.
Port Director Albert Flores said, "Our frontline CBP officers continue to remain vigilant in the outbound environment and that attention to detail resulted in a significant outbound currency seizure. Bulk cash seizures like these, often proceeds from illicit activity, directly impact the pocketbook of foreign terror organizations and deprive them of the ability to profit from such activity."
Authorities clarified that while carrying more than $10,000 is not illegal, failing to declare such amounts or attempting to conceal them with intent to evade reporting requirements is a federal offense. In cases where money is seized for lack of declaration or suspected evasion as happened here, individuals may petition for its return but must prove legitimate source and intended use.
CBP said it continues efforts aligned with federal mandates aimed at securing borders by stopping criminal activities including smuggling cash believed tied to illicit enterprises.
