see also: in August 2008:   CBP in New York Apprehends Suspected Interpol Fugitive   Louisville CBP Finds Heroin in Woman’s Suit   CBP Officers Nab More than $1 Million in Narcotics in 48-hour Period   Philadelphia CBP Seizes $650,000 in Fake Bank Checks   CBP on a Roll Seizing Fake Handbags, Footwear Again in California   Calexico Downtown Port Officers Intercept $100K Narcotic Smuggling Attempt   CBP Outbound Inspection Yields 293 Unreported Ostrich Skins ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

El Paso, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working outbound operations at the El Paso port of entry stopped two smuggling attempts that netted $56,221.00 in undeclared currency.

The larger of the two occurred on August 22 at about noon, when CBP officers came across a 2001 GMC pickup driven by Jesus Ramirez. CBP officers got suspicious when Ramirez became very nervous during the inspection. CBP examined Ramirez’s pickup and discovered a paper sack in the engine air filter compartment. The paper sack contained two plastic bags with U.S. currency. A total of $41,159 dollars were discovered. CBP officers placed Ramirez under arrest after ICE agents secured federal prosecution. Ramirez was transported to the El Paso County Detention Facility.

The first seizure occurred earlier that same day at the Stanton border crossing. CBP officers conducting outbound inspections stopped a 2004 Chevrolet pickup. The driver declared $4,000 when asked by CBP officers if he was carrying over 10,000 dollars in cash, checks or other monetary instruments. CBP currency deter dog “Akim” searched the Chevrolet pickup and alerted to the interior of the vehicle. CBP officers initiated a personal search of the driver which revealed $15,062 concealed on his person. Federal prosecution was declined. The $15,062 in U.S. currency was seized by CBP.

“This was an exceptional job done by our Outbound Team,” said William Molaksi, acting El Paso port director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “The expertise and experience of our officers and canine teams resulted in two nice money seizures.”

It is not against the law to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to CBP upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and possibly arrest.

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.