No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeBenjaminsThis is what half a million dollars looks like

This is what half a million dollars looks like

National Police discovered a whopping $552,000 in neatly wrapped $100 bills early Wednesday after they pulled over a white Mercedes Benz.

The money mule, caught on Route 32 near Río Frío, Sarapiquí, was reportedly nervous, telling officers he was in a hurry and urging them to let him go. Police searched the car suspecting drugs when they found the cash bundled under the driver’s seat, according to the daily La Nación.

Sensing his impending arrest and the bags of cash at hand, the driver allegedly tried, unsuccessfully, to bribe the officers. The Criminal Court of Pococí gave the suspect three months preventative detention for alleged money laundering.

“This is a clear strike against drug traffickers where it hurts, their money,” said Public Security Minister Mario Zamora in a Facebook video posted by the ministry.

Skip 40 seconds into the video see what more than a half a million in Benjamins looks like. Less than you expected?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=787939364552852&stream_ref=10

 

Trending Now

Fonseca and Arévalo Keep Latin America Alive at Wimbledon

Latin America’s Wimbledon picture has narrowed quickly, leaving Brazil’s João Fonseca as the region’s clearest singles contender and El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo as Central...

Long Lines Hit Costa Rica Airport After Midday Flight Surge

Long lines formed Saturday at the departure immigration area of Juan Santamaría International Airport after a heavy midday wave of flights pushed thousands of...

Jacó Mayor’s Red Zone Plan Sets Off Backlash Across Costa Rica

Garabito Mayor Francisco González has started a national backlash after proposing a 70-hectare “permissive area” in Jacó where sex work, nightlife and eventual regulated...

Costa Rican Fugitive Linked to 22 Homicides Captured in Colombia

A Costa Rican man wanted through Interpol and linked by authorities to drug trafficking and at least 22 homicides in Costa Rica has been...

Costa Rica Rescue Team Celebrates Miracle Survival in Venezuela Quake Zone

A Venezuelan security guard found alive by Costa Rican rescuers after last week’s deadly earthquakes has been pulled from the rubble after eight days...

Costa Rica Study Finds Rare Red Spiny Lobster Population Hidden for 40 Years

Divers and fishermen have long called spiny lobsters "bugs," a nod to their long antennae and armored, insect like build. For more than four...

Costa Rica Bull Shark Festival Highlights Tourism and Conservation

Playas del Coco will host the Festival del Tiburón Toro from tomorrow July 3 until Sunday the 5th, bringing researchers, divers, students, tourism businesses...

Panama Eliminated From World Cup After 2-0 Loss to England

Panama’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end Saturday after a 2-0 loss to England in its final Group L match, leaving...

Tropical Wave Brings Rain and 95 km/h Wind Gusts to Costa Rica

Tropical Wave No. 19 is crossing Costa Rica today, increasing the chance of rain, thunderstorms and strong wind gusts across much of the country,...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel