Tacna authorities seize S/ 450,000 in smuggled smartphones

Authorities in Tacna, Peru, seized 91 high-end smartphones, including iPhone and Samsung models, during a joint operation by the Tax Police and Customs at the Santa Rosa Border Complex. The merchandise is valued at approximately S/ 450,000.

The seizure occurred during a vehicle inspection of a car entering Peru from Chile. Using a scanner, agents detected hidden packages beneath the seats, leading to the discovery of a specialized concealed compartment, known locally as a “caleta”.

The driver, 48-year-old Santos Melqueades Ninaja Cunurana, was detained on suspicion of customs smuggling. Prosecutor Ángel Gutiérrez Enríquez ordered the seizure of the devices and the retention of the vehicle as investigations continue to determine the origin and circumstances of the illegal entry.