U.S. Citizen Held at Tulum Airport With $90K Undeclared Cash

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A U.S. citizen was detained at Tulum International Airport after authorities discovered nearly $90,000 in undeclared cash hidden in her luggage. The woman, identified as Leslie H. G., 55, from New York, failed to provide legal justification for the funds.

Undeclared Cash Found in Luggage

The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, during a routine inspection conducted by the National Guard in coordination with Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM). Officers located $87,900 in cash concealed inside a cardboard box within the passenger’s checked baggage.

Leslie H. G. had arrived on United Airlines Flight UA2031 from Newark, New Jersey. Following the discovery, authorities notified the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) through its Cancún delegation, leading to the seizure of the money and the detainee’s transfer to federal custody.

Legal Consequences for Currency Violations

Mexican law requires travelers entering or exiting the country to declare cash amounts exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. Failure to comply can result in fines, confiscation of funds, and potential legal action.

The case remains under investigation by Mexican authorities. No further details regarding potential charges or the passenger’s status have been released.

Related Incidents in Quintana Roo

The arrest follows recent controversies involving law enforcement in Tulum, including allegations of extortion and theft by Spanish tourists who accused local police of confiscating their gold jewelry. Earlier this week, officers were suspended for detaining a child selling handicrafts on a Tulum beach.

Authorities have intensified inspections at Tulum’s airport, a key transit hub for international tourists, amid growing scrutiny over financial and security violations.