Prosecutions and Seizures

Quebec Region

Over US$400,000 seized at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing

Montréal, Quebec, December 2, 2008 -- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it seized US$419,467 in undeclared currency at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing on November 29, 2008.

CBSA officers discovered the undeclared currency during a secondary examination of a rental vehicle with New York State licence plates. The money, mostly in US$100 bills, was sealed and concealed in a courier-style envelope. A 39-year-old man from Brooklyn, New York, was handed over to the RCMP.

Under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, currency or other monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more must be reported at the border when brought in or taken out of the country. Even though there are no restrictions on the amount that can be brought in or taken out of Canada, money can be seized by the CBSA if a proper report is not made.

Since the beginning of January 2008, more than $5.5 million in undeclared currency has been seized by CBSA officers in Quebec under the Act. The Act requires that all seized currency or other monetary instruments be transferred to Public Works and Government Services Canada.

More information on currency reporting requirements is available on the CBSA’s Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Photos available upon request.

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For media information:

Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
514-350-6130