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14 people arrested in connection with illegal citrus fruit trade in La Ribera region
Spain
Sunday 09 June 2024
VU
The Guardia Civil in the region of La Ribera (Valencia, Spain) has carried out an operation, resulting in the arrest of fourteen people and the investigation of forty-three others, in relation to the irregular trade of 123,000 kilos of citrus fruit distributed in warehouses in ten localities in the area. (photo: agronewscomunitatvalenciana.com)
The Guardia Civil of Valencia (Spain) has carried out an operation in the region of La Ribera, resulting in the arrest of fourteen people and the investigation of forty-three others, in relation to the irregular trade of 123,000 kilos of citrus fruit distributed in warehouses in ten localities in the area.
Since November 2023, the agricultural campaign has been closely monitored to identify any fraudulent activity. During the inspection of orange sales outlets and the analysis of nearly a thousand Food Accompanying and Traceability Documents (DATA), 263 forged documents facilitating the irregular sale of oranges were discovered.
Specialist agricultural theft teams, known as Roca teams, together with air support, including a Guardia Civil Air Service helicopter, have been instrumental in tracking both the sellers and the fraudulent harvesting crews. As a result of the operation, thirteen men and one woman have been arrested.
In addition, 123,673 kilograms of oranges were seized in the operation and 27,600 euros in cash from illegal sales were recovered, along with the intervention of 263 fraudulent documents. The warehouses involved in the irregular receipt of this fruit are located in various towns in Ribera Baixa and Ribera Alta, including Sueca, Corbera, Polinyà de Xúquer, Albalat de la Ribera, Cullera, Sollana, Senyera, la Pobla Llarga, l'Énova and Massalavés. The investigations have been sent to several Courts of First Instance and Instruction in Sueca, Alzira and Carlet for prosecution.
fuente: levante-emv.com
