No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimePolice uncover $352,000 in cash hidden in bus at Panama border

Police uncover $352,000 in cash hidden in bus at Panama border

Border police discovered a cardboard box hidden behind the front dual-wheels of a bus at a customs stop in Corredores, along Costa Rica’s southern border. Inside the box officers found 35 bricks wrapped in black plastic. Peeling back the wrapping, customs police uncovered $352,610 in cash, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry.

Police arrested the 45-year-old bus driver, identified by the last name Aiza, and another man on board named Ulloa, 47. Both were handed over to the Prosecutor’s Office. Neither had criminal records. In addition to the U.S. dollars, police also found ₡122,000 and Bs20 from Venezuela.

The bus was destined for Panama.

The cash seizure Friday followed another sizable discovery at Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport, where police confiscated more than €85,000 from two Dutch women entering the country Wednesday evening.

Trending Now

Cold Surge to bring stronger winds across Costa Rica

Costa Rica is set to experience another noticeable shift in weather conditions as Cold Surge #14 moves into the Caribbean Sea, triggering stronger winds...

Nicaragua reinstates travel visa for Cubans, official says

Nicaragua has reinstated the visa requirement for Cuban citizens, one of its few allies in Latin America, the Nicaraguan government co-led by spouses Daniel...

Puerto Rico Dances as Bad Bunny Owns Super Bowl Stage with Latin Power

Bad Bunny took center stage at the Super Bowl LX halftime show on Sunday, delivering a performance packed with Puerto Rican pride that had...

Costa Rica’s Route 32 Closed After New Landslide as Cold Front Triggers Emergencies

Authorities closed Route 32 again on Friday afternoon after a fresh landslide hit the highway, disrupting travel between the Greater Metropolitan Area and the...

Shakira Ignites Fan Frenzy in El Salvador with Sold-Out Concert Series

Colombian singer Shakira has fans in El Salvador buzzing with anticipation as she prepares for a series of concerts in San Salvador. The superstar's...

Costa Rica’s Dry Forest Pit Viper and Why It Shows Up in Yards

I’m leaning into being a grumpy old man here, but when I was a kid and I got in trouble my punishment was that...
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica