Busted at the Border! California CBP Finds Over $44,000 Cash Hidden in Fast Food Bag
CBP officers at the California-Mexico border seized over $44,000 in undeclared cash hidden in a food bag during a vehicle inspection. đ #News #California #SanDiegoCA #Crime
SAN DIEGO, CA – A routine border crossing near San Diego, California took a dramatic turn when officers discovered a fortune concealed in an ordinary vehicle. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently confiscated more than $44,000 in cash hidden in a car traveling to Mexico.
Carrying large amounts of cash across the border is legal, but travelers must declare amounts of $10,000 or more in currency or other “monetary instruments” when entering or leaving the United States. Failing to declare can lead to arrests and the seizure of the funds.
Vehicle Inspection at San Ysidro Port
On Jan. 8, CBP officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry inspected a 2024 sedan driven by a 27-year-old woman heading to Mexico. The vehicle was referred for further inspection after a CBP K-9 unit detected something suspicious in a white plastic bag containing food.
Upon examination, officers found a brown package inside the bag. The package contained $44,148 in undeclared U.S. currency.
Official Statement on the Seizure
âThrough diligent enforcement efforts during an outbound operation, our officers successfully intercepted cash proceeds commonly associated with illicit activities that fuel transnational criminal organizations,â said Mariza Marin, Area Port Director of San Ysidro.
âBy disrupting covert operations and preventing criminal organizations access to the financial resources that support their networks, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.â
Investigation and Next Steps
The cash was seized, and a criminal investigation was initiated by Homeland Security Investigations special agents.
To request the return of seized cash, individuals must provide evidence that the funds came from and were intended for legitimate purposes.
RELATED TOPICS: California | Crime | Mexico
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