Chile seizes $36,300 cash hidden in bus at Ollagüe border crossing

Customs officials of the Servicio Nacional de Aduanas discovered US$36,300 in cash concealed under the driver’s seat of an international passenger bus arriving in Chile from Bolivia via the Ollagüe border post in the Antofagasta Region. The driver, a Bolivian national, initially claimed the package was an unknown shipment, but further inspection revealed multiple bundles of U.S. dollars hidden throughout the vehicle.

Regional customs director Laureno Soto said the seizure highlights the risk of cash smuggling at borders and its role in combating organized crime and money laundering. The money, along with evidence, was handed to the Policía de Investigaciones and reported to the Unidad de Análisis Financiero, under the framework of Chile’s Law No. 21,632, which strengthens penalties for money‑smuggling and related illicit activities.