Customs Agents Seize More Than $200k In Counterfeit Cash At JFK

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - If this is someone's idea of funny money, federal agents aren't laughing.

Customs and Border Protection officers at a John F. Kennedy International Airport cargo facility seized more than 2,000 in counterfeit $100 bills over two days earlier this month.

Counterfeit bills seized at JFK Airport. (credit: Handout)

Officials say these cases were stuffed with counterfeit bills. (credit: Handout)

Counterfeit bills seized at JFK Airport. (credit: Handout)

On July 15, CBP officers were checking out a shipment labeled "Handycrafts Pictures." Inside the shipment, hidden in protective cases, were the bogus bills, authorities said.

Another shipment labeled "Handycraft Bags" arrived the next day, with more counterfeit cash hidden in various bags, authorities said.

"CBP has quite a diverse mission and this counterfeit currency seizure illustrates the vast responsibility that CBP officers deal with on a daily basis," said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP's New York Field Operations.

In all, agents seized $210,500 in counterfeit bills. They've been turned over to the U.S. Secret Service.

You may also be interested in these stories: