Alicante's mayor, Luis Barcala, highlighted the vital role of the Customs Surveillance Service (SVA) during the inauguration of a congress at Casa Mediterráneo. He stated that the SVA is essential for guaranteeing legal and economic security and combating international crime throughout the country, particularly in Alicante, which boasts excellent connectivity through road, rail, air, and maritime networks.
Barcala addressed attendees at the congress of the Association of the Superior Body of Customs Surveillance, a police unit under the State Agency for Tax Administration (Ministry of Finance), specialising in the fight against smuggling, drug trafficking, tax fraud, and money laundering. He remarked, “The function of the Customs Surveillance Service is as crucial and relevant as protecting our borders and territorial integrity from organised crime attacks that threaten our laws, commerce, and economy.”
He further noted the importance of the SVA's work in Alicante, a province with significant mobility by land, sea, and air, as well as a diverse population of residents from multiple nationalities. Barcala spoke after Juan Manuel Fernández, president of the National Court, and reminded attendees that Alicante is also home to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the EU Trademark Court, which protect commercial designs, models, and trademarks on a global scale.
The mayor expressed gratitude to the Professional Association of the Superior Body of Customs Surveillance for choosing Alicante to host the congress, acknowledging the presence of top representatives and qualified professionals from the Tax Agency dedicated to combating tax fraud, drug trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering, as well as protecting intellectual property.
