Customs are fundamental pillars for economic development, national security and the fiscal sovereignty of Mexico. Its importance covers multiple strategic dimensions.
Recently, notes of corruption that involve high controls of the Marina in smuggling have circulated, which has questioned the presence of sailors in the National Customs System.
Naturally, the presence of the members of the Mexican Navy has logic in those customs that are located in the maritime ports.
This is the case of the Customs of Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, considered one of the main maritime entrance points in the country, which was subject to strong criticism.
A journalistic investigation revealed that officials of the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) would have falsified documents to release illegal merchandise confiscated in the port.
Without questioning the content, it is not logical that with such a short time trade (two months) it can be released seized merchandise.
The customs procedures of seizure and recovery of the merchandise are not as simple as they appear in the note. Nor is it about minimizing the corrupting cancer that champions in the country and minimizing citizen alerts.
Despite the advances in infrastructure and customs management, recent revelations have exposed alleged irregularities that compromise institutional credibility and the effectiveness of customs control.
Academic studies have documented improvements in customs management derived from technological and administrative modernization, it seems that automation and performance management models have not been enough to prevent unfair acts or guarantee the traceability of administrative decisions.
During the last months of Lázaro Cárdenas customs implemented strategic supervision operations in order to combat smuggling, prevent the improper use of economic promotion programs that have been reflected in the streamlining of imports and the increase in tax collection.
Dear reader, the customs of Lázaro Cárdenas is at a crossroads. While modernization efforts have generated advances in efficiency and collection, recent accusations for corruption and irregular liberation of merchandise reveal vulnerabilities, the results of the investigations will be lights along the way. Until next time.
