see also: in October 2008:   Mexican Military Makes Accidental Incursion into the U.S.   CBP Officers Apprehend Illegal Alien Hidden on Rail Car   Border Patrol Agents Make Several Drug Seizures Near Laredo   CBP Officers at the Calexico Downtown Port of Entry Intercept Cocaine Smuggling Attempt   CBP to Open Andrade Port of Entry Earlier During Agriculture Harvest Season   Layered Enforcement Snags U.S. Citizen, Foils 3 Smuggling Attempts   CBP Announces Online Method for Meeting SENTRI Vehicle Requirements ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Port Huron, Mich. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Blue Water Bridge discovered a total of $38,766 in undeclared currency in two vehicles attempting to make entry into the U.S. on Sunday.

Two motor homes, part of a convoy of vehicles in route to Mexico, were entering the U.S. on October 26, at approximately 1 p.m. The drivers, both Canadian citizens, told the inspecting officer that they were going to Mexico for three months. When asked about the amount of money they were carrying both drivers declared under $10,000. Both vehicles were referred to CBP secondary for a currency verification and inspection.

In secondary both drivers again told the inspecting officers that they were carrying less than $10,000. Officers explained that while it is not illegal to carry more than $10,000 across the border it is required that it be declared. A physical inspection of the first vehicle resulted in the discovery of $10,000, in a safe built into a closet and an additional $9,014, equivalent in a compartment. The inspection of the second vehicle turned up $19,766, equivalent, secreted in a false floor in the bottom of a bath room cabinet and from the drivers personal bags.

“It is not illegal to carry large sums of money across the border but it is a requirement that anyone carrying, or causing to be carried, in excess of $10,000, U.S. declare it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Port Director David Dusellier. “Canada has a similar currency reporting requirement for travelers going into Canada.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.