Two American men tried to enter Costa Rica through the Juan Santamaria International Airport carrying a total of $644,344.00 in their carry-on luggage.

The information was confirmed by the Ministry of Public Security. Apparently one of the men is 25 years old and of last name Skees and the second one is 41 years of age and surname Howze. Both man have a clean criminal record.

According to Article 35 of Law 8204 which regulates money laundering and terrorist financing, anyone entering Costa Rica with more than US$10,000, or its equivalent in securities or in another currency, in cash must voluntarily declare the amount they are carrying or else face immediate seizure and loss of the money.

The Drug Control Police informed that both men traveled from Los Angeles, California and intended to leave that same day with destination to Atlanta, Georgia.