US agents seize smuggled cash at Puerto Rico seaport

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. agents in Puerto Rico have seized nearly half a million dollars hidden inside a cargo container destined for the Dominican Republic.

Thursday’s statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says its agents discovered roughly $415,000 stuffed in 63 bundles while checking outbound cargo at San Juan’s seaport.

Acting port director Keith McFarquhar says the seizure has likely affected a criminal organization.

Criminal networks ship bulk money overseas to be deposited in countries where it is harder to track. For smuggled money passing through the U.S. island of Puerto Rico, the destination is often the nearby Dominican Republic.

It’s a federal offence not to declare currency worth $10,000 or more when cargo or an individual is leaving or entering the U.S. and its territories.