The Federal Public Revenue Administration (AFIP), through the General Directorate of Customs, prevented the smuggling of 230 pieces of cultural property that were attempting to be transported from the Futaleufú River International Pass to Chile.
These are petrified stones and wood that were not reported by the travelers. and that, as they belong to the Sarmiento petrified forest, in the province of Chubut, cannot be removed from the country.
Customs personnel carrying out their usual control tasks at the border crossing inspected a 4X4 truck leaving Argentine territory. The agents found the amount of luggage carried by the driver of the vehicle and her companions, all of Chilean nationality, suspicious.
Using the scanner, Customs officials visualized some objects inside the handbags that caught their attention. They opened them and found rocks and petrified parts of trees. They then continued with the physical inspection of the vehicle and detected more rocks hidden under the seats. Inside the luggage, there were also rocks wrapped in clothing and hidden in shoes.
Security scanner Photo: AFIP Customs
All this material, valued at US$ 1.400, cannot be carried by travelers as luggage. Therefore, Customs determined the seizure of the pieces because they did not comply with the baggage regime.
Seized stones Photo: AFIP Customs
The procedure was carried out jointly with personnel from the National Gendarmerie, who notified the Federal Court of Esquel and requested the assistance of agents specialized in cultural property.
The tourists were charged with violating Law 25.743 (Protection of archaeological and paleontological heritage) and the baggage regime.
With this type of work, the AFIP reinforces its commitment to the care and protection of Argentine heritage., through the control of entry and exit of fossil remains, archaeological assets, works of art and historical materials, among other elements.
Customs personnel with seized stones. Photo: AFIP Customs
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