(Kitco News) U.S. border patrol agents arrested a Chinese national with more than USD $28,500 in gold bars after she illegally crossed the Canada-U.S. border, authorities said last week.
A 36-year-old Chinese woman was arrested in Amity, Maine after illegally crossing into the U.S. from Canada. She was carrying 14.25 ounces of gold bars with her, worth more than $28,500, as well as $10,000 in cash.
“While conducting operations near Amity, U.S. Border Patrol Agents from the Houlton Border Patrol Station apprehended a 36-year-old Chinese national who was found to have illegally entered the United States from Canada,” the authorities said in a statement on Thursday. “The Chinese national was placed under arrest for illegal entry into the United States and transported to the Houlton Border Patrol Station for further processing.”
She was apprehended on Tuesday and the border patrol agents were able to identity the location of the illegal crossing.
Since then, she has been expelled to Canada.
#USBPMaine agents apprehended a Chinese national who illegally entered the US from Canada. The subject was carrying 14.25 oz of gold bars, valued at over $28,500. The subject was expelled to Canada in accordance with Title 42 USC 265. See the story at https://t.co/WHEVTMvOyx pic.twitter.com/JcgmQ5ISSR
— Dennis W. Harmon, Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent (@USBPDepChiefHLT) August 7, 2020
It is now known that before illegally crossing into the U.S., the the Chinese national had arrived into Canada legally as a student. She also admitted to knowing crossing the U.S. border illegally and said she was planning to visit a friend in SanFrancisco.
“The vigilance, service and integrity of our Border Patrol Agents who continue to apprehend those who are looking to circumvent customs and immigration laws, plays an important role in keeping our communities in Maine and throughout the United States safe,” said Houlton Station Patrol Agent in Charge Brent Conley.