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Photo via Migration Police.

Family jailed for smuggling $160K from the U.S.



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Published on Thursday, November 14, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




Three Costa Rican relatives were granted a 15-day preventive custody order on Wednesday, for allegedly smuggling over $163,000 in cash into Costa Rica from the United States, reported the Prosecutor's Office.



The case began on Saturday, when the suspects, a female surnamed Herrera-Acuña (67), another woman surnamed Wesson-Herrera (40), and a male surnamed Wesson-Herrera (52), arrived in the country via international flight from New Jersey, USA.



During a routine luggage inspection, Migration Police officers at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province discovered hidden packages in their suitcases.



After a more extensive search of the luggage and the traveler's belongings, officers discovered packets containing cash hidden in their suitcases, as well as additional envelopes with more cash taped to their bodies.









According to the authorities, these individuals did not report the cash to officers. They also failed to demonstrate the money's lawful origin.



The money was confiscated as evidence in this case, and the suspects were handed over to Interpol officials, who took them to the Public Ministry in Alajuela.



On Wednesday, the Alajuela Court ordered the three family members to two weeks in pre-trial prison for money laundering charges. That is the maximum term permissible in a rapid legal process in the case of red-handed suspects.



When people enter or exit the country, they must declare any cash or securities worth $10,000 or more, or the equivalent in another currency, according to Aeris, the company managing SJO airport.



The Aeris webpage lists the guidelines for entering and leaving the country.


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What have you heard about expats having problems reporting cash to customs in Costa Rica? 
We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com




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