Colonia official faces inquiry after smuggling conviction

Colonia's Intendancy has initiated an administrative inquiry into a career official from the Legal Department who was convicted for attempting to smuggle 36 iPhones to Buenos Aires. The departmental government confirmed the opening of the administrative process, which includes the official's immediate suspension from his duties.

The man was detained at the Commercial Port of Colonia as he tried to board a ferry. He had the devices taped to his body under his clothing. When customs controls discovered the contraband, the official fled the pre-boarding area but was pursued and apprehended by coast guard personnel in the terminal's parking lot.

Following the incident, a court sentenced him to 12 months in prison under a probationary regime. The sentence mandates nighttime house arrest for the first two months, one month of community service, and a border closure. Additionally, the National Customs Directorate conducted two raids on a residence in Colonia del Sacramento, valuing the seized merchandise at over 2,600,000 Uruguayan pesos (approximately US$64,625).