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The Salvadoran Government continues to strengthen actions to combat merchandise smuggling and tax evasion through coordinated work among the institutions that make up the Anti-Smuggling Plan. So far in 2025, these operations have enabled the seizure of more than 70,000 packs of cigarettes, equivalent to more than 20 tons, amounting to US$4.1 million in taxes and fines.
From 2019 to 2024, more than 205,000 packs were destroyed, equivalent to more than 55 tons, with an estimated value of US$11.7 million, significantly weakening the criminal structures linked to these illicit activities. The seizure of cigarettes is part of the national strategy to curb a crime that not only affects the country’s economy but also represents a direct risk to the health of the population.
Smuggling does not comply with sanitary standards, contains unregulated toxic ingredients, and is a source of income for criminal networks operating at the regional level. Combating this phenomenon is an urgent action to protect consumers, ensure economic justice, and close off opportunities for criminal organizations. As part of these efforts, today’s operation includes the destruction of 6,562,570 units of cigarettes, equivalent to 9.7 tons, with an estimated value of US$2 million in unpaid taxes, storage, and fines.
This merchandise was seized in various operations carried out at unauthorized border points, fiscal routes, and customs facilities. Among the seized products are more than 23 brands originating from the Asian continent, such as Modern, Marvel, Royal, This Blue, Royal Menthol, This Ice Coffee, GL Supremo Menthol, Brass, Bright, Bohem, Esse Change, Marshal Menthol, Marley, Pine Sky, among other variants of the “This” line.
These brands do not have sanitary permits or quality standards, which increases the risks associated with their consumption. The destruction of this shipment will take place at the Geocycle Plant facilities in Metapán, Santa Ana, where it will be processed using an environmentally safe method that does not generate negative impacts on the environment. The General Directorate of Customs continues to implement strategic actions based on the prevention, detection, and combat of smuggling and other customs-related illicit acts.
To this end, coordination continues to be strengthened among the Policia Nacional Civil (PNC), Fuerza Armada, Fiscalía General de la República, MOP, Migración y Extranjería, CEPA, as well as with regional and binational organizations, applying good practices and cooperation protocols. The Government reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health of Salvadorans, ensuring fair trade, and continuing to weaken criminal structures that profit from smuggling.
