Undeclared Cash Seized from Woman While Leaving Country

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers conducting an unannounced outbound operation in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 adjacent to the San Ysidro, Calif. port earlier this week seized more than 1,000 in undeclared currency after it was discovered in a secret compartment of a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, officials announced today.

The driver, a 38-year-old female lawful permanent resident of the United States from Mexico and residing in Chula Vista, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents and transported to the Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Three children in the vehicle were released to a relative.

The cash, in 15 wrapped packages, and the vehicle were seized by CBP.

The transportation of currency and monetary instruments across the international border is legal, but requires notification to onsite CBP officers upon entry to or exit from the United States.