Nicky, a currency-detecting Malinois dog, played a central role in the seizure of nearly $74,000 at Dulles Airport Monday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, with the help of the canine, seized $73,900 from two Serbia-bound travelers at Dulles after the menwere found in violation of federal currency reporting requirements.

Neither man was criminally charged, according to CBP, and they were released to continue their trip -- but with only a small fraction of theircash.

According to CBP, officers initially stopped the first man in the jetway to the plane and asked how much currency he was carrying. The manreported $1,500 both verbally and in writing. But after inspecting his baggage and jacket, CBP agents discovered four envelopes that containedapproximately $50,000.

Meanwhile, Nicky sniffed out another passenger, who claimed to be the first subject's son-in-law. The second man reported that he was holding$7,000, but a subsequent inspection discovered two envelopes in his jacket containing nearly $20,000.

CBP officers verified the currency totaled $73,900 in U.S. dollars between the two family men.

There is no limit to how much currency travelers can import or export, but federal law requires travelers report to CBP amounts exceeding $10,000in U.S. dollars or equivalent foreign currency.

CBP returned $1,500 to the men and released them to continue their trip.

"This is a significant amount of currency to conceal, and these two men are very fortunate to avoid criminal prosecution," Wayne Biondi, CBP portdirector for the Area Port of Washington Dulles, said in a statement. "Customs and Border Protection hopes this seizure is a reminder to alltravelers to be truthful with CBP officers. The best way to hold onto one's currency is to truthfully report all of it to a CBP officer."

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Cash-detecting canine helpsCustoms seize $74K at Dulles Airport (www.loudountimes.com/news/article/currency_detecting_
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