Dominican Customs’ advanced X-ray tech nets over US$40,000 in undeclared cash at AILA

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Customs (DGA) has announced the seizure of over US$40,000 in undeclared currency at Las Américas International Airport (AILA). The significant interception, involving a passenger’s hand luggage on a flight arriving from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, highlights the efficacy of the DGA’s cutting-edge X-ray scanning technology.

The undeclared U.S. dollars were promptly detected by the advanced X-ray scanners strategically placed within the airport’s passenger area. These non-intrusive inspection systems generate detailed images of luggage, allowing authorities to visualize hidden objects without the need for physical contact. This method proved crucial in identifying the concealed funds, which had not been declared as legally required.

This successful operation underscores the DGA’s comprehensive strategic vision to enhance the security, agility, and efficiency of the Dominican Republic’s air and maritime ports. The agency’s commitment to adopting advanced technological solutions aligns with the highest international standards for control and trade facilitation, a move that has already led to numerous similar seizures of illicit goods, substances, and currency.

The DGA emphasized its ongoing efforts to modernize all customs processes, leveraging state-of-the-art technology for the benefit of both tourists and Dominican residents visiting from abroad. These sophisticated X-ray scanners are also vital for real-time detection of a wide array of explosives and narcotics, significantly bolstering national security.

The case remains under active investigation by the competent authorities, who will proceed according to the provisions of Customs Law 168-21 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Law 155-17. This latest seizure serves as a clear testament to the DGA’s unwavering commitment to upholding legal compliance and safeguarding the nation’s borders through technological innovation and inter-institutional collaboration.