US authorities seize over US$53,000 from Jamaica-bound passenger

A passenger travelling to Kingston, Jamaica, has been arrested in the United States after authorities allegedly discovered more than US$53,800 in undeclared cash at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

According to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the passenger was intercepted on July 1 while preparing to board a flight to Jamaica.

CBP said officers were conducting inspections of outbound passengers when the traveller declared they were not carrying any currency. However, a search allegedly uncovered US$53,800 in cash.

The agency said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) responded to the scene, and the individual was arrested on federal money laundering charges.

Federal prosecutors have since accepted charges under Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1956, which relates to money laundering.

The passenger's identity has not been released.

Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations for CBP's Miami and Tampa Field Office, said criminal organisations often depend on bulk cash smuggling to move illicit proceeds across international borders.

"CBP officers remain vigilant in identifying these violations and work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt transnational criminal activity while protecting the integrity of our nation's borders," Alonso said.

CBP noted that while there is no limit to the amount of money travellers may carry into or out of the United States, anyone transporting more than US$10,000 must declare the funds by filing a FinCEN Form 105.

The agency warned that failing to declare currency, or making a false declaration, can result in the money being seized and may lead to civil or criminal penalties.