**Major Seizure of Illicit Goods in Ensenada: Authorities Confiscate 3 Million Items Valued at 320 Million Pesos**
In a joint operation deemed the most substantial collaboration between state authorities and the federal Ministry of Economy in recent times, approximately 3 million items, including perfumes, toys, electronics, textiles, creams, cosmetics, and food products, were seized in Ensenada, Baja California. These goods, valued at around 320 million pesos, were confiscated from outlets known as the China Store and Maxibodega, collectively occupying an 18,000 square meter area.
The seized items included expired or date-less foods, creams, and cosmetics lacking health registration, and none bore legal import documentation. These goods originated from countries such as China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, according to Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón.
This significant operation saw participation from over 371 personnel, comprising members of the military, National Guard, local health authorities, tax officials, civil protection, the state prosecutor’s office, and municipal authorities. The confiscated goods will be transported to storage facilities for subsequent administrative and legal processing, stated Government Secretary Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas.
During a press conference, the Governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, announced that the state’s Attorney General’s Office and the FGR would take necessary legal action against the companies involved for failing to comply with Mexican regulations, including civil protection laws.
This seizure follows previous operations in Mexico City and Sonora, where 300,000 and one million items were confiscated respectively. “As we progress northward, the quantity of illicit goods increases, violating numerous regulations,” remarked Ebrard Casaubón. The proximity to the United States is a factor of interest, he added, noting that several customs agent licenses have been revoked and further investigations are ongoing into customs procedures for potential criminal charges or licensing revisions.
**Secondary Article: Rising Concerns Over Illicit Product Trade in Mexico**
The recent seizure in Ensenada highlights a growing concern over the illegal trade of goods across Mexico, underpinning a wider issue of regulatory compliance and customs enforcement. Recent data reveals a pattern of increased trafficking of unregulated products, particularly in regions close to international borders. Authorities continue to revamp inspection protocols and inter-agency collaborations to tackle this problem.
Efforts to bolster legal frameworks and enhance real-time data sharing between federal and state bodies have shown progress. Meanwhile, businesses are urged to comply with domestic regulations, emphasizing transparency and due diligence in import-export operations.
The operations conducted thus far underscore the need for stricter oversight and revamped policies to deter illicit trade activities that jeopardize consumer safety and undermine economic stability. Moving forward, it is imperative that these initiatives are coupled with preventive measures and awareness programs to curtail the influx of illegal goods into the Mexican market.