Smuggling in Salto: chase ended with an escape on foot

By Roy Rodriquez

Smuggling in Salto: a new blow to illegal trade on the border

The city of Salto was once again the scene of a strong operation against irregular trade this Saturday. In a maneuver that included pursuit and escape, personnel from the National Naval Prefecture managed to detect and stop the advance of a shipment of smuggling in Leap which was intended to be distributed in the local market. The episode, which took place in the vicinity of the Las Viudas stream, ended with an abandoned truck and a million-dollar cargo that is now under the magnifying glass of the National Customs Directorate.

The procedure took place within the framework of the surveillance and preventive patrol tasks that naval forces constantly carry out in the coastal area and the accesses to the city. Upon spotting a van traveling with a suspicious and excessive load, officials attempted to stop it for a routine inspection. However, the reaction of the occupants made it clear that what they were transporting did not have the proper papers.

A frustrated escape near the Las Viudas stream

Upon noticing the presence of the troops at the intersection of Benito Solari and Nicolás Solari avenues, the suspects did not hesitate to carry out a risky maneuver. According to the official report, the vehicle reversed abruptly to try to evade control, moving away about 200 meters from the place of the initial encounter. However, when cornered by the deployment of the Prefectural staff, the occupants decided to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot, getting lost in the vegetation near the stream.

When inspecting the interior of the abandoned vehicle, officials found a heterogeneous but voluminous cargo. These were 21 packages full of merchandise allegedly entered irregularly into the country. The preliminary inventory revealed a large quantity of personal hygiene and mass consumption items, elements that are usually the driving force of illicit trafficking in this coastal area.

Cigarettes, cosmetics and the impact on the local economy

Among what was seized were thousands of packs of cigarettes, as well as creams and deodorants from international brands. This type of seized merchandise represents a direct blow to the networks that operate on the border, taking advantage of price gaps with neighboring countries. The National Customs Directorate will now be in charge of carrying out the technical assessment of the cargo, although it is estimated that the commercial value is significant for the logistics of these groups.

• Commodity: 21 packages with cigarettes, toiletries and cosmetics.

• Vehicle: Van conditioned for cargo transportation heavy.

• Destination: Alleged retail distribution in informal businesses in Salto.

• Investigation: In charge of the 3rd shift Prosecutor's Office of Salto.

The deputy prosecutor Karen Escobar, heading the 3rd shift Prosecutor's Office, has already taken action on the matter and ordered the corresponding expertise on the vehicle to try to identify the owners or those responsible for the logistics of the transfer. Meanwhile, the truck remains in federal custody while data is crossed with the region's automotive registries.

Surveillance on the coast does not rest

This operational reinforces the need to maintain strict controls in the blind spots of the border. He smuggling in Salto It is not a new phenomenon, but the modality of using private vehicles loaded to the roof demonstrates a growing audacity on the part of those who dedicate themselves to this illicit activity. The Las Viudas stream area, due to its geography and access, continues to be a hot spot for the movement of packages that cross the river clandestinely.

Finally, the case remains under the judicial orbit while waiting for the results of the chambers. security of the area and the tracking of the troops. The fight against Informal trade continues to be a priority to protect the established merchant who pays his taxes and sees his profitability bleed in the face of unfair competition. He smuggling in Salto This Saturday there was a significant brake, but patrolling will continue to prevent these trucks from continuing to take over the street.