Seizures of large quantities of vegetables are done permanently in secondary zones. Producers insist that local audits are increasing in the access points to Paraguay, like the Friendship and President Franco Bridge.
Customs officials justify the entry of these illegal items through what they call ant smuggling, ie purchasing in small quantities from neighboring countries so to fill heavy trucks and take them to popular markets of the city and to the country's capital.
Last month, producers met with the Director General of Customs, Eduardo De Gasperi and it was agreed to tighten controls so as to protect domestic production and consumer health.
In the district of Juan E. O'Leary, farmers threw week after week several tomato boxes on Route 7, in protest because the local market is invaded by foreign products entering the country without any control.
Many of the fruits and vegetables are brought from Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) and the Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). These products are sold in many improvised fruit and vegetables stands on the side of the streets and avenues or there are vendors offering them freely.
The fruit and vegetable producers in the area, ask for a more effective control with respect to the entry of such food, because those products that are smuggled are sold cheaply and do not go through the phytosanitary control required by the Law.
Watermelons, melons, apples, bananas, pears, tomatoes, onions and potatoes are the most common products entering irregularly in the country and then are offered in the market and street stalls.
The peasants ask in the primary and secondary zone along with the Technical Department of Special Surveillance (DETAVE) that contraband seizures are improved since the holidays are approaching and these items are widely used for traditional
desserts and cocktails on Christmas and New Year.
A new mobilization on the routes in the region not ruled out if the desired results with the control of Customs officials at the border are not obtained.
Source: Ultimahora.com