Español
Find releases based on
Search all news releases
gfx_form_arrow_rt
Tags
287g Immigration and Nationality Act; Contraband; Counter Proliferation Investigations; Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Investigations; Document & Benefit Fraud; Enforcement & Removal; Financial Crimes/Cornerstone; Gangs; Human Rights Violators; Human Trafficking/Smuggling; Intellectual Property Rights; Predator; Secure Communities; Student and Exchange Visitor Information System; Worksite; Other

News Releases

January 03, 2008

ICE seizes more than $41,000 and arrests a woman for bulk cash smuggling

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents arrested a woman earlier this week who attempted to leave the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport without declaring excess currency in the amount of $41,976.

The U.S. currency was hidden in the luggage that Elizabeth Mayers, 44, checked-in for a trip to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

"Bulk cash smuggling is a serious crime," said Manuel Oyola Torres, Special Agent-in-Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Puerto Rico. "Those who think that our ports are easy transshipment points for contraband are mistaken. ICE, along with our Department of Homeland Security partners, will continue using our unique authorities to enforce our immigration and customs laws."

Mayers was charged with bulk cash smuggling and failure to declare an amount of money exceeding $10,000.

She was transferred to the Guaynabo Metropolitan Detention Center where she is awaiting the outcome of her case.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico accepted this case for prosecution.

The ICE investigation into this case is ongoing.

If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Mayers is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

You may also visit us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423 or complete our tip form.