Most of this illegal merchandise comes from Asia
According to studies carried out by Philip Morris International, some 69 billion illegal cigarettes are consumed in the Americas and Paraguay was highlighted as one of the main producers, the Panama National Customs Authority reported in a statement, released following the completion of a training of collaborators on the illicit trade in tobacco products in Latin America, where collaborators from the Directorate of Customs Prevention and Control (DPFA) participated.
On the magnitude of the problem, he stressed that in Panama 92% of cigarettes that circulate are illegal and most of this illegal commodity comes from Asia, as the most important route, and among the main cities as a destination Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, Honduras, the United States, Costa Rica and Belize is mentioned.
It is a complex problem, experts stressed, so the importance of these trainings, to raise awareness and acquire skills in the area of inspection, warned Customs
He indicated that the current customs administration has among its modernization strategies to continue the constant training of the collaborators with a view to providing a better service and strengthening the fight against illicit trade.
The experts of the Illicit Trade Combat Unit of Philip Morris International, Victor Klepach and Alain Vermaut, were in charge of training DPFA personnel from different customs areas present at the event, on the extent of the problem, applicable legislation, identification of illegal products, regional trends and studies carried out in the region.
This article has been translated after first appearing in Panama America