Two women were detained by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at Toronto Pearson International Airport last week after customs officers discovered over $1 million in undeclared cash in their luggage. The incident occurred at the international arrivals terminal during a routine screening process.
According to a statement from CBSA, the two women had arrived on a flight from Europe and appeared nervous during questioning. Officers referred them for a secondary inspection, where they discovered multiple bundles of Canadian and European banknotes hidden within their checked suitcases.
In total, the search uncovered approximately 982,000 Canadian dollars and an additional 186,000 euros. The women had not submitted a passenger customs declaration, which is legally required when carrying more than CAD $10,000 across the border. They also failed to disclose the funds during verbal questioning.
Authorities say the money was meticulously concealed within double-lined luggage compartments and wrapped in vacuum-sealed plastic. While the women claimed the cash belonged to relatives and was for personal use, they were unable to provide documentation or a clear explanation for the transport of such a large amount.
Both passengers, whose identities have not been released pending the outcome of an investigation, are Canadian citizens in their mid-30s. They were held temporarily at the airport and later released without charges while the CBSA continues its inquiry into the source of the funds.
CBSA spokesperson Marissa Lee confirmed the agency has referred the matter to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) for further review. Money laundering and proceeds-of-crime laws may come into play if the origin of the money is deemed suspicious.
The incident underscores Canada's strict cash declaration rules, which aim to deter smuggling, tax evasion, and organized crime. “Travelers must declare any funds over $10,000 when entering or leaving Canada,” Lee noted. “Failure to do so can result in seizure and significant penalties.”
Customs officials say similar discoveries are not uncommon but rarely involve such substantial amounts. In 2022, the CBSA reported seizing over $35 million in undeclared currency nationwide, often linked to illicit trade and trafficking networks.
The seized cash remains in CBSA custody as the investigation continues. Depending on the outcome, the funds may be permanently forfeited to the Crown. No charges have been laid yet, and the two women remain under administrative monitoring by federal authorities.