No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

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

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.

 

Trending Now

Costa Rica Arrests Man Over Alleged Death Threat Against President

Costa Rican police arrested a man in San Carlos on Friday after authorities said he allegedly made a death threat against President Laura Fernández...

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Tops 160 as Costa Rica Pledges Aid

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday climbed to at least 164 by this morning, with nearly 1,000 people injured,...

U.S. Demands Justice One Year After Roberto Samcam’s Killing in Costa Rica

The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs marked the first anniversary of Roberto Samcam’s assassination in San José by calling for accountability in a...

Panama Knocked Out of World Cup 2026 After 1-0 Loss to Croatia

Panama’s World Cup run is over after another painful, low-margin defeat. The Central American side lost 1-0 to Croatia on Tuesday night at Toronto...

Costa Rica Seeks Interpol Help After Suspects Leave Before Raids

Costa Rican authorities have turned to Interpol to locate two women linked by investigators to the Riverside case, including the wife of extradited alleged...

Costa Rica Tourism Growth Masks Warning Sign at San José Airport

The San Jose airport recorded a drop in international tourist arrivals in May, even as Costa Rica’s overall air tourism numbers continued to grow,...

Costa Rica Approves Limón Marina Plan in Major Caribbean Tourism Push

Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly gave final approval Thursday to a reform that clears the way for JAPDEVA to seek strategic partners for major infrastructure...

Costa Rica Debt Plan Prompts Warnings Over Dollar and Public Finances

A group of Costa Rican economists is warning that the government’s plan to issue up to $13.5 billion in eurobonds is excessive, unnecessary in...

Costa Rica’s Mid-Year Gordito Lottery Brings Big Prizes and Local Tradition

One of Costa Rica’s most familiar mid-year rituals is back on the streets. The Junta de Protección Social, known as the JPS, officially launched...
🌴 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