Checks on the illegal import of agricultural products at border posts will be stepped up. This was stated by Minister Mike Noersalim of Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (LVV, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries) following the interception of a shipment of 385 tonnes of rice from Guyana. The minister discussed the consequences of smuggling for the agricultural sector on D-TV Express on Wednesday.
The Unie van Agrariërs en Groentehandelaren has recently also reported the smuggling of peppers and tomatoes through the west of the country. According to the organisation, prices for these crops have fallen drastically as a result.
Noersalim stated that unfair competition and smuggling are putting pressure on the entire sector. To counter this, checks at border posts are being tightened. According to the minister, LVV has no inspection post at Stolkertsijver, but police regularly take action when illegally imported products from the east are found. An inspection post will also be established at Canawaima, he said.
“LVV personnel must have access to all locations where imports take place,” Noersalim stressed. In addition, the relevant service will be strengthened and legislation tightened.
According to the minister, many products enter the country illegally. This not only affects the economy, but also poses risks to the health of people, animals and plants. He also pointed to the smuggling of chemicals.
Noersalim said that a draft law has already been submitted to parliament and still needs to be considered and passed. “This will give us more tools to take tougher action.”
