A million-dollar cigarette smuggling that was hidden under a shipment of soybeans in a truck coming from Bolivia was detected by Chilean Customs, after the usual control at the Chungará border crossing, Arica (north).
According to official information, the Regional Director of the Arica Customs, Hugo Yávar Oñate, said: "the inspectors stationed in Chungará inspected a truck with bulk soybeans. Due to certain indicators, they applied non-invasive technology and they found that there were cigarette boxes under the pellets."
The seized cigarettes are from Paraguayan brand Mill Blue The total is 38.490 boxes and the uncollected taxes amount to $84.106.099.
The driver risks prison sentences and fines ranging from 50 to 300% of the unpaid fees and taxes.
Seizures 2017 and 2018
In 2017, Customs and police seized more than XNUMX pesos throughout Chile. 10 million 745 thousand boxes of smuggled cigarettes, which prevented tax evasion of more than US$ 44 million.
Meanwhile, during the first five months of 2018, a tax evasion of US$13 million has been prevented with the seizure of 3.110.729 cajas, with most cases concentrated in Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta (north) and Valparaiso (center).
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.
