Star cash sniffing dog ‘Pub’ helps Border Patrol agents bust $75K in illicit currency at Atlanta airport

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Star cash sniffing dog ‘Pub’ helps Border Patrol agents bust K in illicit currency at Atlanta airport — Star cash sniffing dog ‘Pub helps Border Patrol agents bust.jpg

A talented police dog named “Pub” has been making headlines at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for his impressive skills in sniffing out undeclared currency. In the first three months of the year, Pub helped federal agents seize nearly $75,000 in cash that travelers attempted to smuggle without reporting.

Trained as a Belgian Malinois, Pub is specifically trained to detect both currency and firearms. His keen sense of smell led Customs and Border Protection agents to uncover a stash of $44,432 in undeclared bills in February and another $30,417 in March. This amounts to a total of 20% of all undeclared cash discovered at the airport during that period.

The first batch of cash that Pub uncovered was destined for Qatar, while the second was on its way to El Salvador. Despite multiple opportunities given to suspects to declare the money, they refused, leading to the thorough inspection by agents.

According to CBP, the smuggling of unreported and bulk currency is often linked to illicit activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and financial crimes. It is crucial to prevent such activities that harm vulnerable individuals in society.

Travelers are allowed to carry any amount of cash with them on flights, but any sum exceeding $10,000 must be declared to the US Treasury. In cases where travelers are caught with undeclared cash, agents may provide them with the necessary paperwork, such as the “FinCEN 105” form, to report the funds properly.

During the first quarter of 2026, CBP officers assisted travelers in completing FinCEN 105 forms for a total of nearly $3 million in undeclared cash. This highlights the importance of transparency and compliance with regulations to combat illegal financial activities.

Pub, the star sniffer dog at CBP Atlanta, continues to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the airport by detecting hidden cash that may be linked to criminal activities. His remarkable skills and dedication serve as a valuable asset in the fight against illicit financial practices.