FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport discovered 2704 grams of gold being smuggled into the United States. The gold has an approximate value of $170,000.00.
On October 6th, CBP officers encountered a passenger arriving from Colombia who attempted to smuggle the undeclared hidden gold disguised as belt buckles, bracelets and keychain, painted black to avoid detection.
“Gold is one of the top ten items smuggled globally, either to evade import duties or to launder the illicit profits of Transnational Criminal Organizations, “ said Stephen J. Balog, CBP’s Acting Ft. Lauderdale Port Director. “This discovery is indicative of the attention to detail our officers deploy everyday protecting our nation’s economy.”
The gold has been seized and is under investigation by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Learn more about what CBP’s accomplishes in “A Typical Day.” CBP Office of Field Operations’ dual mission is to facilitate travel in the United States while we secure our borders, our people, and our visitors from those that would do us harm like terrorists and terrorist weapons, criminals, and contraband.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.