Officials of the National Customs Authority confiscated in the capital's wholesale food market a truck carrying papaya from Costa Rica which did not meet the phytosanitary permits, or pay taxes.
According to customs, the fruit entered the country using alternate routes bypassing security controls.
The seizure was possible, after receiving an anonymous tip through the customs line and immediately a raid was organized which detected the merchandise, said the entity.
Smuggling is punishable under Law 30 of 1984. If no documents proving their stay in Panama are found, it will be punishable by imprisonment and fines up to five times the value, and since they are perishable products, these will be burned by the competent authority which is the Panamanian Food Security Authority (AUPSA).