Smuggler Swallows 12 Money-Filled Balloons
- Share via
NEW YORK — A woman was arrested when trying to smuggle money out of the country, including $6,000 in 12 balloons she swallowed, customs agents said Friday.
Customs officials at Kennedy Airport asked Vivien Mensah how much money she was carrying as she awaited a flight to the African nation of Ghana. She said she had $9,000, officials said.
When a search of her bag turned up $24,000 concealed in bed sheets, Mensah admitted that she had swallowed several balloons stuffed with money, customs agents said. It is illegal to take more than $10,000 in cash out of the United States without reporting it.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
