Authorities Seize 60,000 Packs of Cigarettes at Mexico's Central Airport

Mexican customs officials at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) intercepted a significant shipment of illicit goods, seizing 60,000 packs of cigarettes. The operation was a direct result of collaborative efforts and real-time information sharing between Mexico's National Customs Agency (ANAM) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The seizure, announced by the Mexican government, is part of an ongoing bilateral strategy to combat illegal commerce, operating under a standing memorandum of understanding between the two nations. The ANAM reported that the contraband was detected when authorities applied a control measure to an air cargo manifest that falsely declared the merchandise as "data cable."

Upon inspection, customs personnel at AIFA discovered 75 cardboard boxes, weighing approximately 1,571 kilograms, originating from Bangkok. These boxes contained the 60,000 packs of cigarettes. Following the discovery and analysis of the information, the company claiming ownership of the brand filed a formal complaint, initiating legal proceedings related to intellectual property rights.

This confiscation underscores the heightened cooperation between Mexico and the United States in managing strategic points of entry for goods. The ANAM emphasized that such actions aim to strengthen international collaboration, disrupt illicit trade, and enhance national security through intelligence gathering and risk management.