A 40-year-old tourism technician with 1 kilo 60 grams of cocaine was the last drug case of 2019 detected by officials of the National Customs Service in the First Region of Chile.
With her a total of 1,000 were registered 729 arrests in 772 procedures with a total of 2.738 kilos of psychotropic substances seized, which represents an increase of 20,14% compared to last year, the National Customs Service reported.
The Regional Director of the Iquique Customs, Cristian Molina Silva, indicated that during 2019 a total of 850 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride, 382 kilos of cocaine paste and 1.492 kilos of marijuana were seized at the El Loa, Quillagua and Colchane outposts, to which were added 12 liters of ketamine, 1.200 units of phentermine and 18.994 ecstasy pills.
"All of the above was carried out in 772 procedures where 729 people were brought to justice. These figures reflect the constant work carried out in the outposts to prevent all types of smuggling, such as this type of substances that affect people's health and are related to organized crime.", said the Regional Director.
Compared to last year, there was a 20,14% increase in the total amount of drugs seized, with a 313% rise in the detection of marijuana, which was highlighted by the fact that in 2018, 360 kilos 856 grams were seized and in 2019, the figure reached 1.492 kilos. The same occurred with Ecstasy, where the number of pills seized went from 8.859 in 2018 to 18.994 last year.
Molina highlighted the figures “because they reflect constant work and the application of different methodologies that include trend analysis and the use of non-invasive technology such as X-rays and densitometers, as well as detector dogs and other management support tools, in addition to the strategic guidelines provided by our National Directorate.".
All the drugs seized have a value that could exceed 30 billion pesos in illicit trade.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
