Naco, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stopped an illegal exportation of currency when CBP officers conducting outbound operations selected a father and son for inspection. Further investigation revealed both were attempting to smuggle $130,000 out of the U.S.
On Sept. 13, at approximately 8 p.m., CBP officers were screening travelers going into Mexico as part of an outbound operation. The CBP officers selected a 2007 Ford Lobo occupied by a 45-year-old father and his 19-year-old son. The father was a Mexican national and resident of Naco, Sonora, Mexico and the son was a United States citizen and resident of Naco, Ariz.
CBP officers seized the undeclared currency and both men were turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation. Prosecution was accepted on charges of Attempting to Smuggle Bulk Currency.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
The Office of Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is
