What changed
2026-08-04 17:45 UTC → 2026-08-07 02:03 UTC ·
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In early July 2026 Mexican authorities, together with U.S. partners, seized authorities have intensified a multi‑agency campaign against illicit tobacco throughout 2026. After seizing about 60,000 packs of contraband cigarettes at the AIFA airport. By airport in early August the effort expanded dramatically, with July, customs, navy the Navy and public security agencies intercepting the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection intercepted nearly three million illicit cigarettes—over four tonnes—at cigarettes (4,031 kg) at Mexico City International Airport. Airport on 2 August, confirming a broader effort that has already secured more than 156 tonnes of contraband tobacco in 2025‑2026. The operation continued on 6 August when the National Customs Agency (ANAM) uncovered a shipment in Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, containing roughly 9.95 million counterfeit cigarettes that had been misdeclared as drinking glasses. The haul, traced to China sourced from an Asian exporter, underscores the scale of the smuggling network and South Korea, was uncovered through the ongoing reliance on intelligence‑driven risk analysis, document review, X‑ray scanning review and physical inspection. Officials framed ANAM officials also highlighted internal challenges, noting the seizures as part of need to migrate 64 legacy tax‑authority (SAT) systems to a broader campaign new customs platform—a process projected to take up to 11 years. The agency’s dual focus remains on strengthening enforcement while modernising its digital infrastructure to improve trade facilitation and protect public health, the formal economy and intellectual‑property rights. A detailed report from 2 August 2026 confirms a seizure of 4,031 kg (approximately 2.88 million cigarettes) at the same airport, noting that the customs enforcement program has secured more than 156 tonnes of illicit tobacco in 2025‑2026 and that the cargo remains under customs custody pending legal proceedings.