US$23,000 illegally stashed in her bra.

Zuri Ordelle Christopher claimed she had wanted to safeguard the cash because she was weighed down with luggage.

She said she planned to start a new life with her family in Jamaica.

And her lawyer Mr. Ed Bailey painted a picture of an innocent woman ignorant of the law.

But yesterday a court seized most of the money -- virtually all her life savings.

Unemployed Christopher, 22, of Beacon Hill Lane, Sandys, admitted at Magistrates' Court trying to take US$23,271 out of the Country.

It is illegal to take more than $3,000 without the Bermuda Monetary Authority's permission.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined her $300. He also directed the $21,231 be forfeited.

He said the currency restrictions were designed to keep the Country's balance of payments on an even keel, and guard the economy.

Crown Counsel Miss Sharon Kenny said the offence came to light at around 1.45 p.m. on July 24.

Christopher had gone to the Civil Air Terminal with her three-month-old son to catch flight 877 to Philadelphia to stay with a cousin.

She had gained permission to take US$960 out of the Country.

US immigration officials gave her a "pat down search,'' said Miss Kenny.

"They asked her if anything was under her bra,'' she added.

Despite her denials, they searched her again and discovered two plastic Ziplock bags.

They were fastened to her with black tape, and contained US$23,045.

Miss Kenny said a further US$1,186, and BD$11 were found in an envelope.

This meant the total number of US dollars on her was 24,231 -- 23,271 of which was illegal, added Miss Kenny.

Christopher maintained she was going to America for a short time to join her husband, before moving to Jamaica to buy a home.

She also claimed she had not wanted to pay conversion tax for the US dollars.

This demonstrated some knowledge of the law, said Miss Kenny.

Christopher was later quizzed by Bermuda Police, and told them she had not sought permission for all the US dollars because she only intended spending a small portion in America.

She stressed her ultimate destination was Jamaica, and claimed she had concealed the money in her bra "because she did not want it to go missing in her luggage.'' Miss Kenny said Christopher had displayed a "poor attitude'' to the authorities. "This was a deliberate attempt to thwart the law.'' Miss Kenny accepted, however, there was no evidence to suggest Christopher wanted to use the money for contraband.

Mr. Bailey said Christopher intended immigrating to Jamaica.

Her husband had already gone to Philadelphia, and she had researched the cost of real estate in Jamaica.

When Christopher arrived at the airport she was weighed down by five suitcases.

She was also labouring under the "misconception'' she could take up to $25,000 out of the Island, said Mr. Bailey.

He stressed his client was not versed in the law, and had no business experience.

"She had been carrying the money in her bra for security. It was her life's savings.

"It was only an attempt to try to buy real estate. There is no evidence at all that Mrs. Christopher's intentions were to use it for any contraband. She is an innocent young woman.'' Mr. Bailey strongly refuted the Crown's assertion the Ziplock plastic bags had been taped to Christopher.

He said Christopher would probably have reacted differently at the Airport if she had had legal counsel and was in a "comfortable environment.'' Mr. Bailey suggested to Mr. Francis he had discretion under the law not to order all the cash be forfeited because of special circumstances surrounding the case.

And he urged him reflect on the hardship forfeiture would cause to a young mother-of-two.

In making his ruling, Mr. Francis said he would subtract the $3,000 Christopher could have legally taken out of Country from the $24,231 found on her. This meant he was forfeiting $21,231.