PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized $19,000 in unreported currency from two travelers at Philadelphia International Airport on Monday. The seizure occurred after a CBP detector dog named Nitro alerted to the passengers who were preparing to board a flight to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Details of the Seizure
Nitro, a 3-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever trained to detect bulk currency, detected the presence of undeclared money on the two individuals. A 63-year-old woman reported carrying $9,000, while a 79-year-old man declared $5,000. However, both travelers were found to have more cash than they initially reported.
After the alert, CBP officers took the pair to an inspection station. Although they initially asserted that they were not traveling together, the officers discovered they were in possession of matching luggage. Upon further questioning, both travelers acknowledged that they were indeed traveling as a pair.
A total of $19,681 in cash was uncovered during the inspection. CBP officers allowed the couple to keep $681 for humanitarian purposes and seized the remaining $19,000 due to their failure to comply with federal currency reporting laws.
Acting Area Port Director Elliott Ortiz commented on the incident, noting, “This couple attempted to evade federal currency reporting laws by structuring their currency and claiming to be traveling separately, but a keen canine and observant officers easily detected the currency and broke their story.” Ortiz emphasized the importance of truthful reporting to prevent severe consequences.
Travelers are permitted to carry any amount of currency; however, if the amount exceeds $10,000, it must be reported to the U.S. Treasury using the FinCEN 105 form. This form can be completed online before arriving at the airport or assistance can be sought from CBP officers at the departure gate.
Failing to adhere to federal currency reporting requirements may result in seizure of funds, missed flights, and potential criminal charges related to bulk currency smuggling.
During the fiscal year 2025, CBP reported an average seizure of about $180,000 in unreported or illicit currency per day, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enforce currency laws at U.S. ports of entry.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the importance of compliance with federal regulations regarding currency reporting when traveling. It emphasizes the role of CBP in maintaining border security and preventing illegal activities associated with unreported currency.
