The cost of a box of 24 units of Nicaraguan liquor ranges from $13.50 to $14, while in the Honduran formal market the same amount costs between $19 and $26.50. The obvious difference in prices and growing demand for the product due to the proximity of the holiday seasons are the main factors that contribute to an increase in alcohol smuggling in Honduras at this time of year.

Elheraldo.hn reports that "... The illegal trade has a negative impact on the national economy, however, the greatest risk is to consumer's health, as several of these are linked to incidents of alcohol poisoning and death in Nicaragua. "

Business owners in the Honduran beverage industry agree that in November and December there could be a sharp increase in the illegal entry of spirits and beers because of the rise in demand during the Christmas and New Year period and the limited surveillance exercised by national authorities at blind spots ...Although "... The Directorate of Revenue has increased operations in the southern part of the country ... there are no official reports on the smuggling of beers and spirits. "

Source: elheraldo.hn

More on this topic

Alcoholic Beverages and Contraband

September 2018

It has been reported that six out of ten bottles of liquor consumed in Costa Rica are of illegal origin, and this situation has been attributed to the heavy tax on alcoholic beverages in the country.

An investigation published by Crhoy.com details the figures on the market of illegal alcoholic beverages in Costa Rica. The document concludes that between 2014 and 2017 the value of the illicit liquor market has grown almost 50%. 

Illegal Alcohol in El Salvador

May 2015

The value of illegal sales of about 32,000 hectoliters of pure alcohol in the country each year is estimated at $54 million.

Growth in the volume traded on the illicit market has been increasing, with the exception of the period between 2012 and 2013, when it went down by 3.7% due to "... greater government control on ethanol, specifically in control of pharmacy alcohol and counterfeit or adulterated alcohol. "

Guatemala: Retailers Union Created

August 2014

A retailers union has submitted to the government a number of measures aimed at combating the smuggling of goods and informality in the commercial sector.

The Union of Retail Sellers, recently created by the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce and Services -Cecoms- has submitted proposals to combat the illegal entry of goods into Guatemala.

Reduced Smuggling in Guatemala

November 2012

Anti smuggling operations are working, resulting in tax collections by Customs grow by 3%.

From a publication in Diario de Centro América:

Working together to reduce smuggling

The first quarterly report of the National Commission Against Contraband (CONACON) contains encouraging news: From June to September smuggling has been reduced and customs revenue increased 3%.