I'd personally argue it's not the smartest idea in the world to try and smuggle things anywhere. Even though technology has gotten pretty advanced anyway, there's also always one thing you'll almost never get past. And, as cute as they are, they'll most definitely foil any plans you've got.
Of course, that's the sniffer dogs. It's a pretty well known fact that they're a whole lot better at smelling things than humans are. And, when you train them from birth to pick up certain smells, they're gonna be amazing at it.
And that's what happened after 3-year-old chocolate Labrador Nitro made a pretty big bust. According to the New York Times, the dog was working with Customs and Border Protection at Philadelphia's International Airport. That was when he sniffed out a pretty big sum.
The 54-year-old passenger, who was heading to Cancun, originally claimed he had only $10K on him. That's a pretty convenient number, all things considered - it's the legal limit for passengers to take with them without a whole heap of paperwork.
But, Nitro found out he had a lot more than that on him. He alerted customs, and when he was searched, he had money tucked away in several hidden spots.
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Authorities Have Issued a Stark Warning to Would-Be Smugglers
Acting Area Port Director Elliot Ortiz explained what happened. "This traveler concaled currency in multiple locations for the purpose of evading federal currency laws, but no amount of concealment can hide bulk currency from Customs and Border Protection officers, and especially from CBP canine Nitro."
Authorities ended up taking almost all of the massive wad of cash. Luckily for the traveler, they left him $240... "for humanitarian purposes."
But, Ortiz has used this situation to issue a pretty stark warning against any would-be smugglers. Whether it be undeclared cash, or illicit substances, Ortiz wanted to make things clear - the hounds will be released.
"We are quickly approaching the busy summer travel season, and CBP urges travelers to truthfully report all currency they possess to a CBP officer during inspection or face severe consequences as this traveler learned," he explained.
Good job, Nitro!
