ADUANAS 8/8: Servicio Maritimo patrullera 'Aguila II' Algeciras - Aduanas SVA

April 25, 2017 We are familiar with the Customs Surveillance Service, and you probably know the Tax Agency, especially because of its income tax campaign. But this agency, in addition to managing the tax system, controls all customs with an armed police force: the Customs Surveillance Service. Investigating and prosecuting crimes such as smuggling, drug trafficking, and money laundering are some of the actions they carry out. This program captures the most human and professional side of those who ensure the security of our borders and combat tax fraud. At the Port of Algeciras, more than 8,000 containers pass through facilities daily, where nothing is left to chance. On the docks, customs agents begin breaking seals. People camouflaged in inhospitable places, drugs, weapons, and even a lion's head have been found. The job of this branch of the public administration is to ensure that what is declared is what is being transported, and this must be done quickly to avoid disrupting trade and the exchange of goods. Everything leaving Spain for Gibraltar and everything entering from there must pass through the watchful eye of the men and women who work for the Tax Agency at the border between the town in Cádiz province and the Rock. Commercial trucks, private vehicles, and pedestrians are subjected to a thorough inspection that checks everything, but which, for years, has focused on tobacco smuggling. Our reporter, Javier García, attends these meticulous checks and witnesses firsthand the most hidden places where packs of cigarettes are concealed in an attempt to get them through customs. A stuffed Siberian lynx, a rare caiman hunted in Africa, a giant seashell, and several pieces of ivory are some of the most exotic and striking items that the Spanish Tax Agency has seized at Málaga Airport, a hub through which more than 16 million passengers pass each year. Its agents combat drug trafficking, money laundering, smuggling, counterfeiting, and food safety violations related to substances arriving in Spain from non-EU countries that do not comply with our health regulations. The Tax Agency also operates aboard its special operations vessel, which works exclusively to combat drug trafficking and irregular immigration. In a single voyage, they have seized more than 40 tons of hashish. These agents don't just work at customs or passenger and goods checkpoints. The day begins early for the officers who will be carrying out one of their operations in Seville. Reporter Rocío Vicente has little information at that hour about where they are going or which taxpayer they are going to visit. Secrecy and discretion are fundamental to their work. As the day progresses, one of the agents tells us that they have been investigating the fraudulent use of subsidized diesel, the kind used by agricultural machinery, for months. The price is lower and its use is restricted to certain vehicles, which is why they are going to a construction site to investigate the machinery working there. CUSTOMS COMPLAINTS - CUSTOMS SURVEILLANCE If you are aware of any fact or circumstance related to a crime or offense of smuggling, drug trafficking, money laundering, tax fraud, corruption, or any other matter related to or under the jurisdiction of the Customs Surveillance Service, you can report it by any of the means provided below: Toll-free telephone: 900351378 Email: [email protected]