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A Cuban passenger arriving from Havana attempted to bypass customs controls at the Panama Pacific International Airport by hiding over 15 thousand dollars in cash inside a planner and a handbag.
According to the local media Mi Diario Panamá, the man reported only $6,000 to the authorities, but an inspection of his luggage revealed the scheme. The $100 bills were carefully hidden between the pages of a planner and in other belongings, which ultimately uncovered the deception.
In total, the authorities accounted for 15,068 dollars, an amount that exceeds the legal limit of 10,000 dollars that can be brought in without prior declaration. The money was seized and forwarded to the Public Ministry, as established by Panamanian regulations.
The case adds to a series of recent incidents that have raised alarms in Panama regarding the irregular influx of cash from Cuba.
In August of last year, a 26-year-old Cuban was detained at the same airport with 12,000 dollars in undeclared cash, according to the local media Destino Panamá. On that occasion, it was also a traveler coming from Havana who attempted to go unnoticed during the inspection of their luggage.
Months earlier, in June, a Cuban citizen was caught with $10,406 in cash after repeatedly denying that she was carrying an amount exceeding the legal limit. The National Customs Authority then explained that the money was seized and the case was handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office, in accordance with current regulations.
Even in August, Panamanian media reported the seizure of boxes filled with Cuban bills concealed as a shipment on a bus traveling the Panama-David-Frontera route.
The finding, published by La Estrella de Panamá, raised questions about the destination and purpose of moving a coin that has no value in international markets outside the island.
These episodes show that, despite attempts to hide money in books, planners, or carry-on luggage, controls in Panama have tightened and authorities have reiterated that no one escapes at entry points.
The law is clear in that Central American country, stating that anyone entering with more than 10,000 balboas or its equivalent in another currency must declare it, under the risk of legal penalties and confiscation of the funds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cash Customs Controls in Panama and Cuba
What is the cash limit that can be brought into Panama without declaration?
The limit of cash that can be brought into Panama without declaration is 10,000 dollars. Any amount exceeding this must be declared to customs authorities to avoid penalties and the confiscation of the money.
What happens if cash is not declared upon entering Panama?
If cash is not declared upon entering Panama, and the amount exceeds 10,000 dollars, authorities may retain the money and refer the case to the Public Ministry. This could lead to legal penalties and the permanent seizure of the funds.
Why is there an increase in the cases of Cubans detained with undeclared money in Panama?
The increase in cases of Cubans detained with undeclared money in Panama is due to the intensification of customs controls and the restrictions imposed by the Cuban government on its citizens regarding the transportation of foreign currency. Panamanian authorities have tightened their measures to prevent the illegal entry of large sums of money, especially from Cuba, where the economic situation drives citizens to seek alternatives for moving money out of the country.
What measures does the Cuban Customs take regarding currency control?
The Cuban Customs requires that any amount exceeding 5,000 dollars or its equivalent in other currencies be declared upon entering or leaving the country. Failure to do so may result in the authorities confiscating the money. The Cuban regime has intensified customs controls in response to the increasing outflow of foreign currency from the country and the rise in smuggling attempts.
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