PHILADELPHIA, PA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized more than $44,000 in unreported currency from a traveler preparing to board a flight to Cancun, Mexico, at Philadelphia International Airport on April 30, according to federal authorities.
Customs and Border Protection said officers conducting outbound enforcement operations were assisted by K9 Nitro, a 3-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever trained to detect bulk currency, firearms, and ammunition.
According to CBP, Nitro alerted officers to a 54-year-old man before departure. Officers then advised the traveler of federal currency reporting requirements and asked how much money he was carrying.
CBP said the man declared verbally and in writing that he possessed $10,000.
During a subsequent inspection, officers allegedly discovered additional currency concealed in the man’s pockets, separate envelopes, and carry-on bag. According to CBP, the total amount recovered was $44,690.
Federal authorities seized the currency for alleged violations of federal currency reporting laws. CBP said officers later returned $240 to the traveler for humanitarian reasons and released him. Authorities identified the traveler only as a naturalized U.S. citizen from Peru.
Under federal law, travelers may legally transport any amount of currency, but amounts exceeding $10,000 must be reported to the U.S. Treasury using a FinCEN 105 form.
“This traveler concealed currency in multiple locations for the purpose of evading federal currency reporting laws, but no amount of concealment can hide bulk currency from Customs and Border Protection officers and especially from CBP canine Nitro,” said Elliott Ortiz.
CBP officials said travelers can complete the required reporting form online before arriving at the airport through the following website:
Authorities also warned that travelers accused of violating currency reporting laws may face additional consequences, including missed flights and possible criminal prosecution.
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