Federal authorities seized an illegal cargo of Chinese products at the Pantaco customs in Mexico City. The goods, valued at over 300 million pesos, were being transported in 33 containers and attempted to enter the country illegally.
Among the confiscated items are motor scooters, electric scooters, speakers, electric bicycles, drills, hydraulic jacks, toys, backpacks, clothing, and chairs, among others. Electric bicycles and scooters stand out, as their use in the capital has increased significantly, and authorities are seeking to regulate their circulation.
The operation was conducted by the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), through the General Directorate of Customs Investigation (DGIA), the General Directorate of Customs Operations (DGOA), and the General Legal Directorate of Customs (DGJA), in coordination with the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).
"These actions reflect ANAM's ongoing commitment to supervise the entry of goods that fully comply with the applicable standards and regulations established in Mexican law," authorities indicated through a statement. The seizure is considered one of the most significant of the year in the fight against smuggling and illegal trade in Mexico.
The Government of Mexico City will send an initiative to the capital congress in the coming days to regulate the use of electric bicycles and scooters in the city, as they are currently passing as non-motorized vehicles despite exceeding 25 kilometers per hour, which has resulted in traffic accidents, especially in bike lanes. In Mexico City, there are 750,722 motorcycles, and in recent years, their number has increased due to the entry of electric bicycles, the majority coming from China.
In this regard, in the last quarter of 2024, there were 19,207 traffic accidents reported, which "means a decrease of 10.6% compared to the previous period, and this decrease is a trend that has been occurring since the last quarter of 2023."
