Colombia tightens customs controls to combat smuggling and crime

Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella and the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) have announced a significant tightening of customs and border policies to combat corruption, drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal mining.

Under new administrative measures, the importation of heavy machinery, drone components, and chemical precursors will be restricted to specific entry points in Cartagena and Bogotá. These restrictions aim to disrupt criminal groups that use such items for illegal mining and attacks against public forces. DIAN Director Andrés Felipe Velásquez Reyes reported that recent customs operations resulted in the seizure of contraband valued at over 30 billion pesos, the highest monthly total this year.

To strengthen enforcement, an elite group of female officers will lead a new unit within the Fiscal and Customs Police (Polfa). Additionally, DIAN regional offices in border areas and ports will be placed under the control of high-ranking members of the Public Force. The government also plans to relaunch alliances with the United States, including cooperation with CBP and HSI, to target evasion and smuggling.