dinero_admin 
The smuggling of more than 15 million cigarettes seized by authorities resulted in a loss of US$6.6 million in taxes that the State failed to collect due to the illegal entry of this merchandise into the country. As part of the efforts to combat this crime, authorities proceeded to destroy the shipment.
During the operation, it was reported that the destroyed cigarettes represented 20 different brands and weighed 22.5 tons, reflecting the scale of the seizures made in operations against illicit trade.
Authorities stated that smuggling not only affects tax revenue but also harms legitimate competition, benefits criminal organizations, and endangers public health by allowing the sale of products that enter the country without complying with established controls.
The destruction of the shipment was carried out by the Ministerio de Hacienda and Dirección General de Aduanas, with the Policía Nacional Civil (PNC), Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) and Fuerza Armada, as part of the strategy to prevent, detect, and combat smuggling and other customs offenses.
The cigarettes were seized in operations conducted at unauthorized border crossings, customs routes, and customs facilities. The confiscated merchandise originated from countries in Asia and other countries in the Americas.
During the press conference, the minister of Finance highlighted the coordinated work among the different institutions to strengthen actions against smuggling, tax evasion, and other illicit activities that affect the national economy.
You can also read:
