DETROIT, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- A Canadian trucker accused of trying to smuggle more than $2 million in cash into the United States appeared in federal court in Detroit Monday.
Eskenderr Mafarani, 52, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, was arrested Friday after scanning equipment and a patrol dog allegedly detected the illicit cargo at the Ambassador Bridge border crossing, the Detroit Free Press reported. Mafarani allegedly had told border agents he only had $700 in cash when asked if he had anything to declare.
In addition to the millions in U.S. bills wrapped in 138 bundles, authorities said they found six cell phones, a laptop computer and $1,220 in Canadian money, the newspaper said.
It is illegal to conceal more than $10,000 when leaving or entering the United States, the Free Press noted.
Following his detention hearing in U.S. District Court, Mafarani, who is accused of smuggling and making a false statement to officers, was ordered held until a preliminary hearing Nov. 18.
