Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)

US$477,000 seized at Coutts border crossing

Calgary, Alberta, April 23, 2009 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it seized a record US$477,000 in unreported currency following a vehicle inspection at the Coutts port of entry on April 20, 2009.

CBSA officers discovered the undeclared currency during a secondary examination of a vehicle and horse trailer. The cash was concealed in a false compartment between the trailer's livestock area and the living quarters. A 33 year-old man from Calgary was arrested and turned over to the RCMP. No charges have yet been laid as the RCMP investigation is ongoing.

To date, this is the largest CBSA currency seizure in Alberta.

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

More information on currency reporting requirements is available on the CBSA's Web site.

Seized currency

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For media information:

Lisa White
Canada Border Services Agency
Calgary, AB
403-292-4011

Patrick Webb
RCMP Media Relations
403-869-7267