Authorities in Costa Rica and Colombia conduct major anti-smuggling operations

In Costa Rica, Minister of Finance Rodrigo Chaves Robles reported that Fiscal Control Police seized smuggled goods at the southern border after a pursuit led to a private farm. Chaves noted that a judge denied a search warrant during the operation, prompting officials to seek assistance from the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) to enter the property legally. The investigation suggests the goods were likely destined for a warehouse operated by Chinese merchants. Authorities are currently investigating smuggling networks that evade millions in taxes annually.

In Colombia, Fiscal and Customs Police seized over 30,000 units of suspected smuggled merchandise in Barranquilla. The operation targeted a container near the port area, where officers found footwear, reading glasses, and socks lacking legal import documentation. The commercial value of the seized items is estimated at over 841 million Colombian pesos. The goods have been handed over to the National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) for administrative processing.