# Chile customs anti-smuggling operations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chile-customs-anti-smuggling-operations
> Updated: 2026-07-31T19:24:08.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In early July, customs authorities in Chile and Mexico reported seizures aimed at curbing the illicit flow of weapons and cigarettes across their borders. By the end of the month, Chilean customs expanded the crackdown to include cash smuggling, seizing US$36,300 hidden in a passenger bus arriving from Bolivia at the Ollagüe crossing. The operation, coordinated with the national police and financial analysis unit, underscored a broader effort to combat organized crime, money laundering, and a range of contraband through strengthened legal measures.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Chile seizes $36,300 cash hidden in bus at Ollagüe border crossing

Chile’s customs seized US$36,300 hidden in a bus from Bolivia at the Ollagüe border, handing the cash to police and financial investigators under anti‑money‑laundering law.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-seizes-36300-cash-hidden-in-bus-at-ollage-border-crossing

### 2026-07-04: Customs seizures in Chile and Mexico curb weapons and cigarette smuggling

Chile customs uncovered hidden firearms on an international bus at Los Libertadores, while Mexico customs seized 60,000 cigarette packs from Bangkok at AIFA airport after an intelligence alert.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/customs-seizures-in-chile-and-mexico-curb-weapons-and-cigarette-smuggling

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Cite as: Chile customs anti-smuggling operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chile-customs-anti-smuggling-operations