Uruguay Customs Seizes More Than $1.5 Million in Goods in Rivera, Citing Unfair Competition

Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate seized contraband worth more than 1.5 million pesos in two operations in Minas de Corrales, in the department of Rivera, and accused smugglers of creating unfair competition for established businesses.

The first operation recovered 15,040 cigarettes, 126 liters of lubricating oil, 1,537 bottles of alcoholic beverages, 370 kilograms of meat and sausage products, 353 tobacco packages, 372 energy drinks and 12 supergas cylinders. Customs placed the initial value of those goods at 1,218,166 pesos.

A second inspection at another business seized 1,020 cigarettes, 1,105 bottles of alcoholic beverages, 159 kilograms of meat products and 90 energy drinks. Officials estimated the value of that seizure at 300,000 pesos.

Both operations took place at businesses in Minas de Corrales. Personnel from Uruguay’s Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries took custody of the seized meat and sausage products.

The operations form part of wider anti-smuggling activity. In late August, the Interior Ministry reported the seizure of food and alcoholic beverages valued at about 8 million pesos from a truck. Police detained the driver and referred him to prosecutors, who were expected to investigate the goods’ origin, destination and possible involvement of others.