The Cuban Customs stopped an attempt to take 26,000 euros out of the country hidden in luggage during a control at José Martí International Airport in Havana this Friday, authorities reported.
The first deputy chief of the General Customs of the Republic (AGR), William Pérez González, announced in a brief message on the social network X that agents from this entity obstructed "the attempt to extract 26,000 euros, hidden in the double bottom of a suitcase sealed with nylon".
According to the clarification, that amount of money, undeclared, "violated" the regulations set by the Central Bank of Cuba: "The established measures were applied," without specifying what they were.
In Cuba, individuals who enter with more than 5,000 US dollars or its equivalent in other currencies must declare the amount to Customs; otherwise, they may be subject to the confiscation of that money by the regime.
Just last year, in the first three months of 2024, the Customs of Cuba confiscated 3.2 million Cuban pesos and 91,000 USD.
The head of the Customs of Cuba, Nelson Cordovés Reyes, acknowledged at that time that it was a trend that "has been on the rise."
One of the highest amounts of cash seizures was recorded in 2022, when 233 violations occurred and 5.3 million Cuban pesos and 420,000 dollars were confiscated.
In recent months, the Cuban regime has provided evidence on social media of the strengthening of customs controls, which has allowed them to detect drugs and even gold bars at the airports.
At the end of March, the Customs of Cuba thwarted an attempt to illegally take two kilograms of gold out of the country in four ingots concealed within luggage. The metal was hidden in a false bottom of a suitcase at the Havana airport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Money Seizures and Customs Reinforcements in Cuba
How many euros were seized at José Martí International Airport?
The authorities of the Cuban Customs seized 26,000 euros hidden in a double bottom of a suitcase at the José Martí International Airport in Havana.
What is the limit of money that can be brought into or taken out of Cuba without declaring it?
In Cuba, individuals can bring in or take out up to 5,000 US dollars or its equivalent in other currencies without the need to declare the amount to Customs.
What measures has the Customs Authority of Cuba implemented to strengthen controls at airports?
The Customs of Cuba has implemented more rigorous control strategies, including the use of advanced technology and collaboration with other agencies to detect and prevent smuggling of money, drugs, and other illegal goods at airports.
Why has illegal traffic increased at Cuba's borders?
The increase in illegal traffic at Cuban borders is partly due to tariff flexibilities that some try to exploit for commercial purposes, in addition to the ongoing economic crisis that drives more individuals to engage in illicit activities.
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