A major joint operation by the General Directorate of Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture foiled a smuggling attempt. They seized more than three tons of fruit in the Tripoli market and searched several commercial refrigerators.
Among the main seizures was a refrigerator belonging to a shopkeeper in the al-Bahsas district, which contained 2.5 tons of Yemeni mangoes, 700 kg of Turkish apples, and 60 kg of Turkish green plums.
The total value of the confiscated goods exceeds 2 billion Lebanese pounds, including 1.5 billion for the mangoes and 430 million for the apples and green plums.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that this action was part of the national plan to combat smuggling and support local agricultural production. A series of strict measures is being implemented to protect the sector, in collaboration with customs and security forces. “Smuggling seriously harms the income of local farmers and jeopardizes market equilibrium,” the Ministry reiterated.
Finally, the Ministry called for enhanced coordination between the concerned departments and the firm prosecution of anyone involved in smuggling or threatening the national economy.
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