DETROIT—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminds travelers coming into the United States to report currency or other monetary instruments that exceeds $10,000. Failure to report may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest.
"There is no limit as to how much currency travelers can import or export; however, federal law requires travelers to report to CBP amounts exceeding $10,000 in U.S. dollars or equivalent foreign currency or other monetary instruments." said Roderick Blanchard, Detroit area port director. "The significant increase in currency seizures represents one of many recent noteworthy enforcement actions by CBP officers in the Port of Detroit."
During the first three quarters of fiscal year 2013, which began Oct. 1, 2012, more than $5,199,000 in currency has been seized at ports of entry within the Detroit Field Office. This represents an increase of 24% compared to this time last fiscal year. Recent cases, such as the $73,000 seized from a pair of Canadian women that was hidden in their under garments, with one of the women being arrested for bulk cash smuggling, highlight the need to inform the public so that they can avoid having their currency seized.
Travelers are further encouraged to visit the Know Before You Go page of the CBP.gov website to learn the rules governing travel to and from the U.S.