Using a scanner that operates on a truck installed on the bridge that connects Posadas to Encarnación (Misiones), Argentine Customs seized 7.700 packets of cigarettes whose value was valued at $ 1.940.090, the organization reported in a statement.
The non-intrusive cargo control system allowed customs agents to detect, in various land control operations, concealment methods in vehicles entering our country from the Republic of Paraguay.
Thus 200 cartons of GIFT Convertible brand cigarettes were discovered in a truck transporting bulk corn. When the cargo was entering Argentina in transit to Brazil, the scanner showed images that were not compatible with the cargo it was declared to be carrying. Therefore, the Customs inspectors decided to carry out an exhaustive physical inspection and, indeed, they discovered the Paraguayan cigarettes, which were mostly in a bag with specially prepared compartments. They also found loose packets among the corn.
On the other hand, Two vehicles with Paraguayan license plates tried to enter Argentina with 85 cartons of Eight cigarettes hidden inside in different parts of the vehicles. One of the vehicles had 45 in the rear door, behind the hood, while the other had 40 under the mats, in the spare wheel well and in the bumper.
Finally, More than 2.000 packets of cigarettes were found in two vehicles driven by Paraguayan citizens that were trying to enter the country. In one of them, the merchandise was hidden in the back of the seats and in a false bottom of the glove compartment, while in the other - a school bus - it was in a metal compartment in the lower part of the vehicle.
The General Directorate of Customs drew up the appropriate proceedings for attempted smuggling and the Federal Court of Posadas ordered the seizure of the merchandise and the respective means of transport. Under the terms of article 876 of the Customs Code, the agency headed by Guillermo Michel could apply fines of $38.801.800.
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.
