LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtersy Richard Pauza,

Eagle Pass, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and Border Patrol agents conducting outbound operations this weekend seized $279,950 in undeclared currency at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry.  

The currency seizure occurred on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, at Bridge II. CBP officers, Border Patrol agents and Maverick County sheriff’s deputies conducting outbound (southbound) inspections referred a 2005 Honda Odyssey driven by Juan Ramirez Hernandez, a 41-year-old Mexican citizen from Piedras Negras, Coahuila , Mexico 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 floor area. CBP Canine “Lawless” alerted to the vehicle floor and a non-intrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies within the same area. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the vehicle floor and found a total of 14 packages of currency hidden inside. CBP officers seized $279,950 in undeclared U.S. currency.  CBP officers arrested Ramirez Hernandez and turned him over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents who processed him on federal bulk cash smuggling charges.  

“The combined efforts of our CBP officers working together with Border Patrol agents and Maverick County sheriff’s deputies in the outbound area creates a force multiplier effect that results in significant seizures,” said John Salazar, CBP Port Director, Eagle Pass.    

  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.