CBP officers seize more than US$53,800 from Jamaica-bound traveller in Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, USA (CMC) — Officers with United States Customs and Border Protection recovered more than US$53,800 — about $8.5 million in Jamaican dollars — in cash that had not been declared from a passenger leaving Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for Jamaica.

CBP reported that the traveller 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 agency 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. Federal prosecutors accepted charges for money laundering under Title 18, US Code, Section 1956,” CBP added.

Daniel Alonso, who directs Field Operations for 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.

According to CBP, travellers may carry any sum of currency or monetary instruments into or out of the United States. Amounts above US$10,000, however, must be declared 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,” CBP said.

The agency also noted that its outbound enforcement work focuses on stopping illegal bulk cash movements, narcotics trafficking, weapons smuggling, and other cross-border crime, while still allowing legitimate travel and trade to proceed.

Authorities have not named the passenger.