Prosecutions and Seizures

Northern Ontario Region

CAN$217,000 seized at Cornwall border crossing

Cornwall, Ontario, December 11, 2008 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it seized CAN$217,000 in unreported currency, following a vehicle inspection at the Cornwall port of entry (POE) on December 7, 2008.

An 18-year-old driver and 14-year-old passenger, both female residents of Akwesasne, New York, were attempting to enter Canada at the Cornwall POE when they were referred for a secondary examination. During the examination of the vehicle, CBSA officers uncovered a large amount of Canadian currency in the rear of the vehicle, totalling CAN$217,000, which had not been declared.

Both individuals in the vehicle and another individual have been arrested in relation to this case. The RCMP will continue to investigate.

The undeclared currency was seized under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

Even though there are no restrictions on the amount of money that can be brought into or taken out of Canada, currency or other monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more must be reported at the border. These reporting requirements came into effect on January 6, 2003, under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Money can be seized by the CBSA if a proper report is not made.

The Act requires all seized currency or other monetary instruments to be transferred to the Seized Property Management Directorate of Public Works and Government Services Canada.

More information on currency reporting requirements is available on the CBSA's Web site.

-30-

For media information:

Chris Kealey
CBSA Communications
613-991-5197

Constable Blair J. Kelly
RCMP Kingston – Proceeds of Crime Unit
613-384-2750, ext. 229
613-561-3985 (cell)