The Cuban Customs authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle 26,000 euros out of the country by concealing them in luggage at Havana's José Martí International Airport on Friday, according to official reports. William Pérez González, the first deputy chief of the General Customs of the Republic (AGR), shared a brief announcement on the social media platform X, revealing that agents had intercepted the attempt to remove 26,000 euros hidden in a double-bottomed suitcase wrapped in nylon.
He explained that this undeclared sum violated the regulations set by the Central Bank of Cuba, and "appropriate measures were taken," though he did not specify the actions. In Cuba, individuals bringing in more than 5,000 US dollars or its equivalent in other currencies must declare the amount to Customs authorities; failing to do so may lead to the confiscation of the funds by the regime.
Just last year, within the first three months of 2024, Cuban Customs confiscated 3.2 million Cuban pesos and 91,000 USD. Nelson Cordovés Reyes, the head of Cuban Customs, acknowledged that this issue has been "on the rise." One of the highest incidences of cash seizures occurred in 2022, with 233 violations leading to the confiscation of 5.3 million Cuban pesos and 420,000 dollars.
In recent months, the Cuban regime has increasingly showcased its strengthened customs inspections on social media, which have enabled the detection of drugs and even gold bars at airports. At the end of March, Cuban Customs foiled an attempt to illegally export two kilograms of gold, hidden in four bars within a suitcase at Havana's airport. The gold was concealed in a double-bottomed compartment of the luggage.
Key Insights into Cuban Customs Regulations
What amount of currency must be declared at Cuban customs?
In Cuba, any individual carrying more than 5,000 US dollars or its equivalent in other currencies is required to declare this amount to customs authorities.
What actions are taken if undeclared money is discovered at Cuban customs?
If undeclared money is found, Cuban Customs may confiscate the funds as part of their enforcement measures against currency regulation violations.