A shopping trip in Canada for two American citizens ended before it began, after border security seized almost $30,000 in undeclared cash at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says on November 18, a man and a woman attempted to cross into Windsor with the stated intent of shopping in Canada.
The pair were asked to complete paperwork regarding $12,000 in US currency that had been declared. However, once border security searched the vehicle, another $26,588 US, which had not been declared, was found stuffed inside personal luggage. Some of the cash was also found on the male traveller himself.
The undeclared cash was seized as "suspected proceeds of crime with no terms of release," border officials say. The two Americans were then returned to the US.
The CBSA says there are no restrictions on the amount of money that can be brought in or taken out of Canada, but currency of $10,000 or more must be reported. Those failing to report the excess cash face possible seizure or a fine ranging from $200 to $5,000.
