Philadelphia CBP seized around $15,000 cash from a woman bound for Lebanon because she did not report it to CBP when she was leaving the country. The story, released by CBP, is the first news story released about a money seizure that has not happened at Dulles airport in a while, so we are happy to report it.

Philadelphia CBP seizes money at a much lower volume than other ports like Detroit, JFK Airport, or Dulles, but as this story shows, it still happens. This is the first story we’ve been able to comment on from Philly CBP regarding a cash seizure since 2017. Here it is:

PHILADELPHIA – The most important advice U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers passengers traveling to and from the United States is to provide truthful declarations to CBP officers when inspected. A woman heading to Lebanon learned this simple rule when CBP officers seized more than $15,000 in unreported currency Wednesday at Philadelphia International Airport.

CBP officers encountered the woman, who is a Lebanese citizen and lawful permanent resident of the U.S. as she boarded a Germany-bound flight. Officers explained federal currency reporting requirements to the woman and she acknowledged the law, then reported that she possessed $10,000.

Officers examined her carry-on baggage and discovered $15,385. Officers seized $15,085 and returned $300 to the woman for humanitarian purposes. Officers released her to continue her travel.

It is legal to carry large sums of currency into or out of the United States. However, federal law requires that travelers who possess $10,000 or more in currency or other monetary instruments must report it all to a CBP officer at the airport, seaport, or land border crossing when entering or leaving the country. Read more about currency reporting requirements.

Has Philly CBP seized your cash?

If Philly CBP seized your cash, read our trusted customs money seizure legal guide and contact our customs lawyer for a free cash seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.