CBP takes US$53,800 undeclared cash from Jamaica-bound flyer at Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, CMC – Officers with United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida confiscated more than US$53,800 in cash that an outbound passenger bound for Kingston, Jamaica, had not declared.

The agency reported that the passenger was taken into custody on July 1 and faces federal money laundering charges.

“CBP officers were inspecting passengers departing on a flight destined for Kingston, Jamaica,” the CBP said.

“Although the traveller declared they were not carrying currency, officers discovered and verified US$53,800 in US currency. Homeland Security Investigations responded to the scene, and the individual was arrested,” it added.

“Federal prosecutors accepted charges for money laundering under Title 18, US Code, Section 1956.”

Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations for the CBP’s Miami and Tampa Field Office, said: “Criminal organisations often rely on bulk cash smuggling to move illicit proceeds across international borders.

“CBP officers remain vigilant in identifying these violations and work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt transnational criminal activity while protecting the integrity of our nation’s borders,” he added.

CBP stressed that travellers may carry any quantity of currency or monetary instruments when entering or leaving the United States. Amounts above US$10,000, however, must be disclosed on FinCEN Form 105, the Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments.

“Failure to report currency or filing a false report may result in the seizure of the currency and could lead to civil or criminal penalties,” the CBP said.

The agency’s outbound work focuses on stopping illegal movement of large cash sums, drugs, firearms and related cross-border crime, while still allowing legitimate travellers and commerce to pass.

Authorities have not named the passenger.