Eagle Pass, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Eagle Pass port of entry seized $549,950 in undeclared currency, the largest currency seizure in port history, during a recent outbound examination.
The currency seizure occurred on Saturday, May 14 at Eagle Pass
Bridge I. CBP officers conducting outbound examinations referred a 2008 Mazda 6
driven by a 24-year-old U.S. citizen from Columbus, Texas for a secondary
examination. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the vehicle and
discovered 24 bundles containing a total of $549,950 in undeclared currency.
Working alongside CBP officers in a support capacity were Texas DPS officers,
Maverick County sheriff’s deputies and Eagle Pass police officers.
CBP officers seized the currency and turned the driver over to U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special
agents for further investigation.
“This is the largest outbound currency in the history of Eagle Pass
port of entry and exemplifies the winning combination of vigilance, experience
and technology,” said Cynthia O. Rodriguez, CBP Port Director, Eagle Pass. “We
are also appreciative of the support provided by our state and local law
enforcement officers.”
Individuals are permitted to carry any amount of currency or monetary
instruments into or out of the U.S. However, if the quantity is $10,000 or
higher, they must formally report the currency to CBP. Failure to declare may
result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for
the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove
that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency
within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control
and protection of U.S. borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is
charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while
enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
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