Vegetable Interdiction Team confiscates over 4,700 pounds of contraband vegetables, valued at $16,000 plus

Photo Credit: MAFSE

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The recently established Vegetable Interdiction Team (VIT) confiscated over 4,700 pounds of contraband vegetables, including cabbage, onions, tomatoes, habanero peppers, sweet peppers valued at $16,000 plus, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE).

In a press release circulated by the Government of Belize Press Office, MAFSE said the VIT had pledged “to intensify collaborative efforts and increase the frequency and effectiveness of its operations”.

“Farmers have complained about contraband and the MAFSE has acted on their complaints,” MAFSE said in an accompanying social media post.

“The Vegetable Interdiction Team has recently been on the move and several thousand pounds of illegal vegetables have been confiscated. Contraband affects the sale of local products- don’t obtain them or buy from vendors who sell.”

These proactive measures, said the release, have resulted in increased surveillance which have in turn led to the confiscation of 1,278 pounds of cabbage, 2,253 pounds of onions, 983 pounds of tomatoes, 86 pounds of habanero peppers and 130 pounds of sweet peppers, which have a total value of $16,190.40.

MAFSE said that in response to farmers’ complaints it set up the VT comprising officials from various government departments and agencies, including its own Extension Service and Supplies Control Unit, the Customs Department, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, Belize Marketing and Development Corporation, and the Mobile Interdiction Team of the Police Department.

The confiscation came after Minister of Agriculture Jose Abelardo Mai, Chief Executive Officer Servulo Baeza, and members of the VIT met with farmers and producers from the Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize Districts at the Yo Creek Agriculture Station in the Orange Walk on July 24.

“During the meeting, concerns were raised about the increase in contraband activities, the presence of illegal vegetables and fruits in local markets, and the challenges farmers face in selling their products due to the competition with contraband items,” the press release said.

“Acquiring illegally obtained vegetable products may result in the confiscation of such products and imposition of fines,” MAFSE said.

“The VIT will continue its heightened frequency of actions to ensure Belizean products are protected, and the ministry assures its unwavering support for farmers as they relentlessly work to ensure the food security of the nation.”

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2023, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.