Stop! Border Control: Cuba

2025•25m

Documentary

For the first time, an international film crew captures the round-the-clock action at Havana’s José Martí International Airport. Cuba’s elite security forces battle drug traffickers, arms smugglers, money launderers, and forgers to protect the nation’s borders. With over 100 agents on constant alert, more than 9 million travelers pass each year through this key hub, just 20 kilometers from Havana’s center. Working alongside the UN Aircop Group, specialized migration teams combat illegal migration routes used by criminals worldwide. Every hour brings new challenges—from smuggling weapons, cash, and undeclared goods to complex narcotics operations. Trained in passenger profiling and detection, the narcotics division plays a critical role. Organized crime knows no borders, but here, security forces stand ready to stop it.

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Production

OMAVA

Language

Status

Returning Series

First Aired

January 20, 2025

Last Aired

January 22, 2025

Networks

A&E, Canal+, Sport 1, A&E

Created By

Julián Becker

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

No providers available for this region.

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Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

A pile of cash

Air date: 2025-01-20

A Colombian passenger struggles to answer simple, routine questions, but the X-rays leave him embarrassed and speechless. Two Cuban women bring a large sum of money into Miami, which not only constitutes a customs violation but also requires an explanation if they don't want to be charged with a possible crime.

The Messenger of the Gods

Air date: 2025-01-20

A young man is transporting a religious sculpture among his belongings, unaware that he is carrying it. An X-ray reveals, however, that something is hidden inside. Later, two friends arrive for a holiday, but instead of a swimsuit, they find documents in their luggage that raise serious doubts about their intentions and identities.

A clever hiding place

Air date: 2025-01-20

A woman attracts the attention of the authorities after they X-ray two boxes of household appliances that contain something unusual. Later, the immigration authorities have to deal with the case of a young Egyptian man who, the day after his arrival, desperately tries to catch a flight to Nicaragua and begs not to be sent back to his country.

Chocolate surprise

Air date: 2025-01-21

A young Colombian student returns from visiting his family with bulky luggage and two tins of chocolate powder, which conceal something else entirely. At immigration, two friends from Angola arrive, planning a holiday, but one of them has information on his phone that could change his plans.

Not just clean, but illegal

Air date: 2025-01-21

A passenger brings liquid soap in capsules on request, but cannot wash his hands if the contents are illegal. A man from Angola wants to continue his journey to Panama. However, in addition to problems with his visa, the authorities also have doubts about the true purpose of his trip.

Foreign customs

Air date: 2025-01-21

A young Bolivian man arrives in Cuba intending to stay for a month. However, he has brought with him a tradition that the authorities might consider illegal. Meanwhile, immigration officials receive a Russian passenger with a violent past. But his problem is compounded when he presents a dubious passport.

Marijuana in capsules

Air date: 2025-01-22

A student is having trouble entering the country because electronic cigarettes are banned. However, the situation becomes even more complicated when cigarette remnants are found, the ingredients of which could jeopardize his education or freedom. Furthermore, the painful life story of a man deeply affects the immigration officials.

Financial flight or fear of women?

Air date: 2025-01-22

A passenger returns to Cuba from Mexico with bulky luggage and finds some containers there that could get her into trouble. Later, a Jordanian citizen tries to conceal some details of his life in order to enter the country, and finally, a man regrets bringing his brother the wrong gift.