High-Tech X-ray Detects Illegal Exportation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped an illegal exportation of currency. CBP officers conducting southbound operations searched a vehicle utilizing a high-tech x-ray machine which led to the discovery of the illegal exportation of undeclared currency.

On June 17, at approximately 12:30 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers going into Mexico as part of a southbound operation. The CBP officers selected a vehicle being driven by a 25-year-old man. The man was identified as a U.S. citizen and resident of Albuquerque, N.M. The man had approximately $5,000 on his person. The CBP officers became suspicious of the man’s demeanor. The man’s vehicle was searched with a high-tech x-ray unit which resulted in the discovery of three packages of U.S. currency concealed in the dash area behind the stereo unit. The total amount of currency being smuggled was $20,000. The man was attempting to circumvent the currency reporting requirements.

CBP officers seized the undeclared currency. The man was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.