Two women were apprehended at Toronto Pearson International Airport last week after customs agents discovered more than one million dollars in cash hidden inside their luggage. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that the incident occurred during a routine screening of international arrivals from Europe.
According to officials, the women arrived on a flight from Frankfurt and were selected for secondary inspection. During the process, agents noticed unusual weight distributions and inconsistencies during the baggage scan, prompting a more thorough search of their suitcases.
Inside the luggage, authorities uncovered multiple vacuum-sealed bundles of currency wrapped in clothing and tucked into false bottoms. A detailed count revealed approximately 982,000 Canadian dollars and 186,000 euros. The women reportedly provided no satisfactory explanation for the source or purpose of the money.
Neither woman declared the funds upon arrival, as required by Canadian law for anyone carrying more than $10,000 CAD in cash or equivalent. Failure to disclose such amounts is considered a serious offense under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
The CBSA noted that the cash appeared to be new, with sequential serial numbers and minimal signs of wear. Investigators are now working with financial intelligence units to determine whether the funds are linked to illicit activity, such as smuggling or organized crime.
Both passengers, whose names have not been released, are foreign nationals in their early 30s. They were detained at the airport and later turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for further questioning. No charges have been formally announced as the investigation is ongoing.
CBSA spokesperson Marie Dufresne stated that the agency relies on a combination of experience, technology, and behavioral analysis to detect suspicious activity. “This interception underscores the importance of border controls in safeguarding Canada’s financial integrity,” she said.
Airport operations were not disrupted during the search, and the incident remained unknown to most travelers passing through the busy terminal. The seizures occurred in a secure area of the airport, away from the public concourse.
The CBSA reiterated that international travelers must truthfully declare all cash and monetary instruments exceeding the legal threshold. The agency maintains that transparency at the border is vital for combating illicit financial flows and maintaining national security.
This latest case adds to a growing list of high-value cash seizures at Canadian airports, where authorities have become increasingly vigilant in recent years. Experts believe that international couriers are adapting their tactics, making detection all the more critical.
As of now, the seized funds remain in government custody, pending a full investigation. If proven to be proceeds of crime, the money may be forfeited to the Crown. The case continues to develop as authorities examine digital records, flight histories, and financial trails linked to the two women.