Editor’s Note: Translation from the Portuguese original by CRE Brazil.
From: CRE Brazil
Budget reduction has forced the Brazilian Armed Forces to revise its border control strategy. Beginning this October, instead of permanent surveillance, which is more expensive, the plan has been revised to intensify specific operations in order to crack down on criminal actions, focusing on arms and drugs smuggling and trafficking. Combating illegal entry of cigarettes into the country is a top priority.
According to the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service, last year alone, more than R$2 billion (Brazilian currency) in illegal products were seized at the borders, with cigarettes being the main contraband. It is estimated that 48% of the cigarettes marketed in Brazil are smuggled in.
