Alfredo Castillo, the Commissioner for Security and Integral Development of Michoacán, informed that they seized a ship on Tuesday night around 23:00 hours carrying more than 68,000 tons of minerals, which was illegally extracted from the state of Michoacán.
In coordination with the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (Equivelant to the IRS), the Mexican Navy, the Secretariat of Economy, and the Center for Research and National Security (CISEN), an operation was implemented at Aduana (Customs) de Manzanillo, Colima, bordering the state of Michoacán.
After the Order for the Verification of Goods of Foreign Trade Transportation, a search was conducted on the boat named “Jian Hua”, which was carrying more than 68,750 tons of iron ore, which is worth tens of millions of pesos.
It should be noted that in order to export iron ore, a Previous Export Permit needs to be issued by the Secretariat of Economy and the company needs to notify with Padrón Sectorial de Exportación which the Servicio de Administración Tributariaissues.
Intelligence work determined that the perpetrators used a permit issued by the Secretariat of Economy, which does not cover the transportation of iron ore on ships; they also confirmed that the alleged location where the mineral was mined does not match the one stated on the permit.
Therefore, the Secretariat of Finance made the provisional seizure of the iron ore being transported on the ship.
Authorities proceeded to secure the boat as well as announcing the detainment of the likely perpetrators, but did not specify the number of perpetrators.
Castillo explained that over the strategy that has occurred in the state, they have intercepted about 200,000 tons of ferrous material.
“We will continue weeding out the financial sources of this criminal group”, the commissioner concluded.
Those responsible will have 30 days to submit a permit from the Secretariat of Economy that will cover the mineral found on the ship.
If it is confirmed that the company made an illegal extraction of minerals, the PGR will look into the charges arising from the probable theft of property owned by the nation.
Sources: 24 Horas, Mi Morelia