Smuggling "Hub" in Central America

In the view of businessmen in Guatemala, the country has become a connection center for merchandise that is transported illegally from the Colon Free Zone, in Panama, to the Corozal Free Zone, in Belize.

Friday, March 23, 2018

Within the to and fro of contraband products moving from the south of Central America on the route to Mexico, a significant amount stays in Guatemala, where criminal structures are responsible for "marketing" these products throughout the territory.

See: "Unstoppable Smuggling in the Northern Triangle"

The executive director of the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala (CIG), Javier Zepeda, told Elperiodico.com.gt that "... smuggling is another way in which corruption and organized crime are manifested. 'It is a problem that not only affects economic activity, but also puts health and safety at risk'."

Guatemalan businessmen say that out of every ten products sold in the country, three are of illegal origin. The impact of illicit trade on business activity can already be seen in the turnover of companies, who are also being forced to reduce their employee payrolls. 

See also: "The Scourge of Smuggling"

As part of the actions taken to try to minimize the impact of contraband "... Several institutions such as the National Civil Police, SAT, CIG and Crime Stoppers Guatemala have launched a regional campaign, which will be promoted for three months in Honduras, Belize and El Salvador and Guatemala. The aim is to get people to anonymously report where the illicit products are being sold or stored."

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As a result of the operations carried out by the Superintendence of Tax Administration to stop smuggling, in recent days there have been two attacks on the customs area of Tecún Umán I, on the border between Guatemala and Mexico.

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