CBP in Texas, this time in Laredo, Texas, seized $12,031 from a person walking into Mexico.
They call the unreported, and possibly smuggled cash, contraband. This is true; although carrying money into or out of the country is not illegal, not reporting more than $10,000, smuggling it (hiding it), or structuring it (dividing it), is illegal. Thus, because the money is involved in this violation, it becomes contraband because it is illegally imported or exported.
Here’s part of news release:
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seize contraband … while conducting enforcement operations.
On Thursday, May 7, officers working outbound operations stopped a pedestrian traveling to Mexico for inspection. Upon physical inspection of the pedestrian’s personal belongings, officers discovered packages of undeclared currency in the amount of $12,031. The currency was seized by CBP.
There is no indication in the story that the person was arrested, only that they were under investigation.
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