The origin of the service goes back to the creation of a paramilitary organization (called in SpanishResguardo) to protect the monopoly of tobacco of theTabacalera (the oldest tobacco company in the world), a Spanish tobacco monopoly which was established in 1636. The primary duty of theResguardo was to protect the monopoly that the State exercised over the tobacco, combatting smuggling since its trade was one of the primary sources of funds of the Spanish Royal Treasury between the seventeenth and the 18th centuries.[2]
Recent history of the service begins in 1944 with the creation of theServicio Especial de Vigilancia Marítima y Terrestre de Tabacalera S.A. (Special Service of Maritime and Terrestrial Surveillance from Tabacalera) charged of preventing the tobacco contraband. In 1954 due to the ineffectiveness of the service its duties were assumed by the Spanish Treasury who reorganized the service and created theServicio Especial de Vigilancia Fiscal (Special Service of Fiscal Surveillance), made up of military and civilian personnel, which assumed the task of fighting the contraband. In 1982 the service was reorganized under theServicio de Vigilancia Aduanera (Customs Surveillance Service) and its duties were broadened to include the investigation of economic crimes and the fight against illegal drugs, among other roles.[3]
The most common duties of the SVA are regulated by theRoyal Decree 319/1982 and theOrganic Law against contraband 12/1995.[4]
Those are the investigation, discovery and prosecution of contraband violations throughout the nation, territorial waters and airspace. The force also has powers conferred by theSpanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) regarding economic crimes, including the fight against corruption, fraud investigation in foreign trade and money laundering, among other roles.[5]
The Deputy Directorate of Customs Surveillance (Spanish:Dirección Adjunta de Vigilancia Aduanera, DAVA) is integrated into the Department of Customs and Special Taxes (Spanish:Departamento de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales) of theSpanish Tax Agency of theMinistry of Finance.[7]
Ship racing stripeFlag of the Spanish Customs with a double crowned H, symbol of the Spanish Royal Treasury
The maritime component of the Customs Surveillance Service is one of the largest employed by the Spanish government with approximately 90[10] vessels in service.The maritime units of the service are classed asSpanish Navy auxiliary vessels(Decree 1002/1961, of maritime surveillance).[11]
Special operations ships: 2 ships for special operations and counter-drug patrols. These ships have both a medium helicopter deck, long range interceptors and deployable pursuit boats (DPB), detention cells, etc.
High endurance ships: 18 of different classes. Equipped with deployable pursuit boats.
Medium endurance ships and high speed interception boats: 24 different classes. Depending on which class they are they carry deployable pursuit boats.
Others, including rigid inflatable boats, boats seized from smugglers and used by the service, etc.[12]
The special operations units of the Customs Maritime Service are responsible for tracking drug shipments from foreign points-of-origin and interdicting them in international waters, supported by the investigations of ground staff.[citation needed]
Most of the vehicles used are unmarked while some of them are marked, specially those deployed in airports and seaports or in specific operations.They also are equipped with mobile scanners fornon-intrusive inspections. Investigation units have special equipment to accomplish their missions like thermal cameras, interceptions devices, etc.[13]
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