BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry have seized $159,531 in bulk, unreported U.S. currency and 200 rounds of ammunition. The significant seizure was made during a routine outbound inspection at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge on Wednesday, June 5.
Port Director Tater Ortiz praised the diligence and hard work of the CBP officers involved in the operation. “Our officers continue to conduct their inspections with diligence, and their hard work led to this significant currency and ammunition seizure,” said Ortiz.
The incident involved a 36-year-old male Mexican citizen driver and a 36-year-old male Mexican citizen passenger, both residents of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. They were driving a 2015 Chevrolet when selected for the routine inspection. During the secondary inspection, aided by a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection system (NII), CBP officers discovered the hidden bulk currency and ammunition within the vehicle.
The officers confiscated the $159,531 in unreported currency and 200 rounds of .380 ammunition. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested both the driver and the passenger and initiated a criminal investigation.
While carrying more than $10,000 is not illegal, it is a federal offense to fail to declare such amounts to a CBP officer upon entering or exiting the U.S., or to conceal it with the intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare can result in seizure of the currency and possible arrest. Individuals may petition for the return of seized currency, but they must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.–News Desk