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 Documentary Following Five Cancer Survivors Heads to Amazon Prime Video

Costa Rica will reach Amazon Prime Video later this year through "Latidos en la Lluvia," a documentary film that follows five Spanish women who...

Starbucks Adds Protein Cold Foam Drinks Across Costa Rica

Starbucks is adding a new line of protein-infused cold beverages to its menu in Costa Rica, bringing the chain’s latest regional drink platform to...

Costa Rica watches the dollar climb after four years of a rising colón

After spending most of 2026 near record lows, the U.S. dollar has clawed back a little ground in Costa Rica over the past two...

Rural Women Lead Climate Resilience Efforts in Costa Rica’s Farming Communities

Rural women in Costa Rica are playing a growing role in climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture and food security, with new support from United Nations-backed...

Costa Rica’s Borinquen Geothermal Plant Advances With Major Contract

Costa Rica’s state electricity company has moved Borinquen I one step closer to completion, awarding a contract worth nearly $100 million for the main...

Documentary Highlights Costa Rica’s Howler Monkey Crisis

There is a sound that defines the Costa Rican jungle before dawn: a deep, resonant roar that can carry for five kilometers through the...

Canada Begins Historic 2026 World Cup Campaign Against Bosnia

For the thousands of Canadians living in Costa Rica or passing through on vacation, tomorrow is a day circled on every calendar. At 2:00...

Weather Causes Flight Delays at Costa Rica’s Main Airport

Heavy fog and rain disrupted flight operations at Juan Santamaría International Airport on Monday, forcing five commercial flights to divert and delaying several departures...

Paraguay Fall 4-1 to USA as World Cup 2026 Opens for North American Hosts

The 2026 World Cup's North American co-hosts seized the spotlight Friday, as the United States overwhelmed Paraguay 4-1 behind a Folarin Balogun brace and,...
🌴 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