PHILADELPHIA, Jun 20 2017 – The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says officers have seized US$39,225 from a Jamaica-bound traveller at the Philadelphia International Airport.
On Monday, the CBP said the unidentified female traveller initially reported that she possessed less than US$10,000.
After CBP officers thoroughly explained the currency reporting requirements, she wrote down that she possessed US$20,000, but a CBP inspection revealed US$39,225.
“This currency seizure illustrates the importance and consequences of travellers complying with all US laws, including currency reporting regulations,” said Shawn Polley, Acting CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia.
“The best way to keep all of your currency is to honestly report it all to a to Customs and Border Protection officers during inspection,” he added.
The traveler was not criminally charged and was allowed to continue her journey to Jamaica.
CBP said US federal currency reporting requirements are simple, stating that international travelers can carry as much currency as they wish into and out of the United States, but they must report all US and foreign monetary instruments totaling US$10,000 or greater on a US Treasury Department financial form. None of the currency is taxed.
“The consequences for violating federal currency reporting requirements are severe: US Customs and Border Protection officers may seize the currency, and officers may criminally charge the violator,” CBP said.
“Yet, travelers continue to conceal currency or remain less than truthful during CBP inspections,” it added.
CBP says that on a typical day , officers seize US$289,609 in undeclared or illicit currency along the nation’s borders.
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