Smuggling gang disrupted between Paraguay and Uruguay with six arrested in Concordia
The Argentine Federal Police dismantled an organisation that transported illegal merchandise from Paraguay to Uruguay using Concordia as a base of operations.
Six arrested after dismantling smuggling network operating between Paraguay and Uruguay via Concordia
The Argentine Federal Police (PFA) dismantled a gang that transported cigarettes and other merchandise illegally from Paraguay to Uruguay, using the city of Concordia in Entre Ríos province as its centre of operations, elonce.com reported. The operation resulted in eight raids, six arrests and the seizure of vessels, vehicles, money and a firearm.
The investigation was initiated in February by the Federal Operational Unit Division (DUOF) Concordia, belonging to the Federal Investigations Department (DFI) of the PFA. The inquiries made it possible to reconstruct the alleged modus operandi, determine the organisation's structure and identify the addresses used for its activities.
According to investigators, the organisation purchased large quantities of cigarette cartons and other merchandise in Paraguay and brought them into Argentine territory through unauthorised border crossings. The transport was carried out in sheet-metal boats through unauthorised stretches of the river, before continuing by dirt roads towards Uruguay, without the corresponding customs authorisation.
The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office of Concordia, headed by prosecutor Francisco Bertrhand, intervened in the case. With the evidence gathered, the Federal Court of Concordia, under the responsibility of judge Analía Ramponi, authorised eight raids at different addresses in the city.
As a result of the proceedings, five men and one woman were arrested, all Argentine nationals of legal age, who were placed at the disposal of the Federal Justice system. Officers also seized various sums of money which, according to the investigation, were destined for the purchase of further merchandise.
Among the assets seized were 5,630 US dollars, 1,737,000 Argentine pesos and 4,670 Uruguayan pesos. Additionally, three sheet-metal boats used for illegal river transport, two boat motors, two motor vehicles and one van were confiscated. Agents also seized six mobile telephones that will be analysed as part of the investigation.
Moreover, among the seized items was a .22 calibre carbine with magazine and 14 rounds of ammunition, along with a cap bearing the Coastguard insignia and other objects considered of interest to the investigation.
The operation was conducted under the remit of the National Security Ministry, according to sources from the Argentine Federal Police. The six detainees and all seized items remain at the disposal of the Federal Justice system, whilst the investigation continues for alleged violation of the Customs Code.
Source: Google News PY — Crime