Airport police nab 2 Dutch women allegedly smuggling €85,000

Some people complain that Costa Rica is too expensive. But it’s unlikely you’d need this much cash for a vacation.

Police at the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela arrested two Dutch women entering the country from Madrid, Spain on Wednesday evening after discovering that they were carrying more than €85,000 in cash, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry.

Travelers must claim any cash denominations over $10,000 in value at customs.

One of the two suspects identified as Paterson, 35, was carrying €7,530 in a carry-on bag and had another €70,000 hidden around her body. Her travel partner, Lympoa, 41, had €7,600 in another carry-on bag. All together, the cash totaled €85,130.

Both suspects were reported to the Drug Control Police and delivered to the prosecutor’s office.