WILLEMSTAD - The customs authorities made a remarkable discovery recently on a Venezuelan fruit boat. In addition to the cargo of charcoal, customs officers found drugs, weapons, and ammunition on board the Expomar. These have been confiscated. The captain of the boat has also been detained, as he is responsible for the cargo. Customs and representatives of the Ministry of Economy (MEO) also discovered a shipment of contaminated green peppers. According to the Ministry of Public Health (GMN), the Venezuelan peppers were infected with various diseases and pests.
Immediate instructions were given to destroy the over 300 kilograms (about 661.39 lb) of peppers. Contaminated vegetables are not only harmful to health but can also lead to productivity losses for local farmers. Moreover, the importer did not have a permit to sell these vegetables. It is noteworthy that the Venezuelan authorities issued a phytosanitary certificate for the peppers. This certificate is only issued when all conditions, including an inspection of the shipment, are met.