CBP Officers, Border Patrol Agents Seize $349,035 in Undeclared Currency at Laredo Port of Entry
Written by admin, Nov 6, 2009, 0 Comments
Courtesy Richard Pauza,
Laredo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound operations at the Laredo Port of Entry this week encountered a vehicle spare tire that was filled with more than just air; it contained $349,035 in undeclared currency.
The currency seizure occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at Lincoln-Juarez Bridge . CBP officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound (southbound) inspections referred a 1999 Ford Expedition driven by Ana Daisy Mondragon, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen from Houston for a secondary examination. The driver gave a negative declaration for currency in excess of $10,000, weapons or ammunition. During an inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers noted discrepancies in the spare tire area. CBP Canine “ Aras ” alerted to the spare tire and a non-intrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies within the same area. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the spare tire and found a total of 11 packages of currency hidden inside. CBP officers seized $349,035 in undeclared U.S. currency. CBP officers arrested Mondragon and turned her over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents who processed her on federal bulk cash smuggling charges. “The enhanced outbound inspections involving CBP officers working together with Border Patrol agents continue to generate fruitful results as this seizure clearly shows,” said Gene Garza, CBP Port Director, Laredo . “Their diverse law enforcement and inspection experience at and between the ports of entry is a strong combination that helps keep our border secure and stem the flow of undeclared currency.”
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.
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