CORNWALL, Ontario – Border officers in Cornwall seized nearly $130,000 in undeclared U.S. currency from two Canadians trying to enter the country.
The Canada Border Services Agency made the announcement Monday of the large seizure.
CBSA said the incident took place May 21 when two people tried to bring in $129,000 in 13 shrink-wrapped bags. The smaller bags were contained within a grocery bag.
The individuals were referred to a secondary examination to assess the legitimacy of one of their travel documents. At the same time, officers searched their vehicle and discovered the cash. The individuals were detained and subsequently released after being informed that the money was being seized under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
The money has been transferred to the RCMP for further investigation.
“While it is not illegal to travel with monetary instruments valued at over $10,000, you are required to report the possession of these items when entering or leaving Canada. Failure to do so can result in the seizure of the assets or a penalty,” said CBSA district director of operations Steve MacNaughton.
The individuals carrying the cash were not named by CBSA.
