Source: The State of Paraná - Curitiba / PR - 19/08/2010

The volume of goods seizures carried out by the Federal Revenue Service in Paraná grew 7,2% from January to July this year, compared to the same period last year.

The values ​​went from US $ 81,7 million in the first seven months of 2009 to US $ 87,6 million, from January to July this year. In Foz do Iguaçu, in the western region, the volume of seizures grew 48% in July this year, compared to the same month last year.

The item with the largest increase in quantity seized, in Paraná, was marijuana: the revenue inspectors found 56,8% more drugs of this type this year (about 2,3 tons) than in the same period last year (1,4 , 23,9 ton). The largest drop was seen in beverages (-XNUMX%).

Computer products, electronics, toys, beverages, cigarettes, vehicles, weapons and ammunition, as well as drugs, are among the seized goods. Most are found in Foz, and also in Cascavel and Guaíra (in the west), in addition to Londrina (north).

With the exception of cars, which result in a higher dollar volume due to the higher values, first this year there were cigarettes, then toys, and thirdly, computer products. In 2009, cigarettes, toys and computer supplies also led.

Items

Other products that had a fall in seizures this year were cigarettes (-0,5%) and computer materials (-3,41%). The items that showed an increase in seizures were electronics (10,85%), toys (11,73%) and vehicles (10%).

The superintendent of the Federal Revenue of Paraná and Santa Catarina, Luiz Bernardi, says that an increase of 7,2% is not surprising, it is within the average of other years. However, he commented that the drop in the volume of computer products and cigarettes, for example, is curious.

“Perhaps the increase in repressive activity is inhibiting smugglers. In relation to cigarettes, the burden of loss is very great, so I believe that they are reducing the action even, since they usually use trucks or cars ”, said Bernardi.

The superintendent recalled that the integrated work between all agencies (highway police, federal police and military police) contributes to the positive numbers. He also affirmed that the values ​​can be even higher (on average, three times more), since the value practiced in retail is higher.

According to him, there are several factors that lead to smuggling, besides the profit. “Economic growth, which increased people's purchasing power and also contributed. As a result, the demand for these products also increases ”, he analyzes.

Audits

The volume resulting from tax audits carried out by the Federal Revenue Service in Paraná also increased in the first seven months of this year. According to Bernardi, a total of R $ 1,3 billion was the result of this year's audits in Paraná. In the same period last year, the total reached R $ 1,1 billion. The increase seen is 18%.