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Courtesy Richard Pauza,

 EAGLE PASS, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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, 2011 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 (ICE-HSI) 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.