US border officials say more than US$1 million was seized recently from a US citizen turned back from Canada while attempting to cross the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia.
US border officials say more than US$1 million was seized recently from a US citizen who was turned back from Canada while trying to cross the Blue Water Bridge near Sarnia.
US Customs and Border Protection said in a news release a man traveling with his family arrived back at the Port Huron, Mich., side of the bridge Aug. 22 after being refused entry into Canada.
The agency said the man initially denied carrying more than $10,000 when asked by border officers.
Travelers are required to declare when they are carrying more than $10,000 when entering or leaving US, the agency said. Violators may face criminal penalties and forfeiture of the funds.
The agency said officers gave the man a chance to “amend his declaration,” and the man then allegedly said he had $990,000, but a further inspection found he had two safes with him carrying a total of US$1,096,584, which was seized.
“The subject is not facing any charges at this time,” border protection spokesperson Kris Grogan said in an email.
“There is no limit as to how much currency travelers can import or export as long as it is accurately declared to (US Customs and Border Protection),” acting port director Geoffrey Stoffel said in a news release.