(WWJ) A creative attempt to hide a stash of cash amongst feminine hygiene products didn't pan out as planned for a traveler at Detroit Metro Airport.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers conducting outbound enforcement operations at the airport on Feb. 3 encountered a passenger headed to Amsterdam with more than $60,000 in undeclared U.S. currency.
The woman initially told agents that she was only carrying only $1,000. During an inspection of her baggage, however, officers discovered bundles of cash inside envelopes, concealed in packaging used to house sanitary napkins.
Specifically, as seen in photos released by CBP, the money was found in a package of Always Ultra Thin pads.
Officers seized the money as a result of the passenger violating currency reporting requirements, CPB said.
“CBP enforces these regulations to combat money laundering or other criminal offenses,” said Port Director Robert Larkin, in a statement. “I’m proud of our officers and the work they do to interrupt currency smuggling operations and illegal activities daily.”
CBP reminds travelers that the transport of any amount of money over $10,000 must be reported to a customers officer upon arrival into or exiting the U.S. International travelers may use the online FinCEN 105 currency reporting site or ask a CBP officer for a currency reporting form.
"Money" means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency, travelers' checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form.
Related
Penalties for non-compliance can be severe ranging from civil fines up to and including seizure any undeclared funds.