2024-05-11 08:22:22
In a decisive blow against smuggling, the Tax and Customs Police of the National Tax and Customs Directorate (Dian) have managed to dismantle a criminal network in Cali, seizing the largest illegal shipment ever recorded in Colombia. The merchandise, valued at approximately $72 billion, includes a wide range of products such as textiles, clothing, footwear, toys and other items.
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This unprecedented operation, carried out on May 7, 2024, represents a milestone in the fight against smuggling in the country. Customs authorities carried out monitoring and intelligence work for several months to identify and dismantle this organization dedicated to illicit activities.
The director of Dian, Luis Carlos Reyes, highlighted the importance of this historic seizure, highlighting that it significantly affects criminal finances associated with smuggling. For his part, Colonel Yorguín Orlando Malagón, director of the Tax and Customs Police, highlighted the joint work with the Attorney General’s Office and the Control Management Directorate to carry out this successful operation.
The report “Panorama of smuggling in Colombia”, presented by Dian, reveals alarming data on this problem. Between 2018 and 2022, smuggling represented 10% of the value of goods entered into the country, exceeding USD 8.8 billion in 2022. Underinvoicing was identified as the main modality of smuggling, evidencing the need to strengthen customs controls.
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This achievement not only impacts criminal activities related to smuggling, but also protects the economic interests and integrity of legal trade in Colombia.