A Customs worker makes an inventory of the US dollar bills seized from the Korean traveler (seated on right). (Photo from the Facebook page of the Bureau of Customs)
MANILA, Philippines — A Korean traveler was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for trying to sneak in $167,300 (over P9 million) worth of undeclared cash, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The Korean, who was not identified, arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 from the Incheon International Airport last March 17.
Members of the BOC Enforcement and Security Service and the Intelligence and Investigation Service found the currency concealed in a book.
The Korean is now under the custody of the Customs Police at NAIA for investigation and possible filing of a criminal case.
The BOC said it would issue a warrant of seizure and detention for violation of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas regulations on Cross Border Transfer of Currencies and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863).
The BOC stressed that any person may freely bring foreign currencies into or out of the country a maximum $10,000 or its equivalent.
Any traveler carrying more than that must declare the amount through a Customs Baggage Declaration Form and a Foreign Currency Declaration Form on arrival or before departure.