CBP officers seize $137K in U.S. currency at Gateway International Bridge

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway International Bridge arrested a 25-year-old woman who had a bulk of U.S. currency totaling $137,000 in her vehicle, according to their news release.

The agency said the seizure took place on Friday when CBP officers working at the bridge encountered the woman. She was described as a U.S. citizen driving a 2013 Chevrolet, which was selected for a routine outbound inspection.

During the inspection, CBP officers discovered the money that was hidden in the vehicle.

Bulk undeclared U.S. Currency of $137,000 seized by CBP officers on Aug. 22. Photo courtesy: USCBP.

“Our CBP officers’ vigilance led to this significant currency seizure, preventing funds from exiting the country, which can often be used to support illegal activities,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Outbound bulk cash seizures such as these help to further disrupt criminal enterprises by depriving them of the ability to profit from alleged illicit activity.”

CBP officers seized the currency along with the vehicle and turned the driver over to the custody of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

CPB states it is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements.

Failure to declare could result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest.

An individual can petition for the return of currency seized, but they must prove that the source and intended use of the currency were legitimate.