The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Department of Plant Health, reported today the seizure of contraband of fruits and vegetables, at the Santo Domingo pier, yesterday. He explained that the action occurred when a Puerto Rican passenger tried to enter agricultural products irregularly into the Dominican Republic, which he brought camouflaged in his personal vehicle.
“According to information offered by Plant Health inspectors, oranges, yautía, cassava, tayota, apples, and ginger were seized, goods that were incinerated to prevent the entry of agricultural pests and diseases into the country,” the ministry said in a note from the press. He added that Agriculture and the National Directorate for Drug Control (DNCD) proceeded to investigate the person involved in the smuggling and the vehicle.
The director of the Department of Plant Health, Rosa Lazala, declared that the authorities of Puerto Rico will be notified of this irregularity. She maintained that they will continue to strengthen inspections at ports and airports to prevent the entry of fresh agricultural products irregularly and to prevent non-existent quarantine pests or diseases from arriving in Dominican territory.