The AFIP, through the General Directorate of Customs, dismantled a national network that was dedicated to the smuggling of electronic cigarettes and their subsequent illegal commercialization. With the collaboration of the Argentine Federal Police, this gang was dismantled thanks to an investigation that began at the beginning of this year.
In the 28 raids, the General Directorate of Customs seized more than 6.000 units of merchandise, including electronic cigarettes, essences, vaporizers, vapers, resistors, chemicals to prepare the essences, among other elements.
In addition, promotional material, cell phones, PCs, invoices and documentation of interest to the case were seized. All seized items have a total value of $4.615.760.
The research tasks began in the first months of 2019These consisted of collecting information through environmental tests that were carried out at different points in the cities of Mar del Plata, Miramar and Balcarce.
The investigation was also able to progress through access to the AFIP database and through exploration and monitoring on social networks.
Once Customs was able to corroborate the information it had collected, it proceeded to file a complaint with Federal Court No. 3 of Mar del Plata, for the crime of smuggling.On the other hand, the seized merchandise is classified as absolutely prohibited for distribution, according to the provisions of the National Administration of Drugs, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT), because it threatens people's health.
Following the complaint, the court issued orders for 28 searches of houses, apartments and commercial premises. The Customs Office assigned a total of 40 customs agents, in collaboration with the PFA, to carry out operations in the cities of Mar del Plata, Miramar and Balcarce.
At the same time, numerous procedures were carried out in commercial establishments selling electronic goods in the cities of Miramar and Mar del Plata, with the collaboration of the Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime Delegation of the Police of the province of Buenos Aires, as well as the Argentine Naval Prefecture.
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.
