Costa Rica destroys 12.7 tonnes of illegally imported papaya

Three papaya shipments totalling 12,700 kg have been seized near Costa Rica’s southern border and ordered destroyed, according to the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE). The agency worked with the Border Police to intercept the fruit around Paso Canoas.

The loads were found separately: 4,500 kg in La Gamba, followed by shipments of 4,000 kg and 4,200 kg near the border. Authorities said the origin of all three remained unknown because the required phytosanitary and import documentation could not be produced.

That uncertainty means the papayas cannot enter the food chain. SFE said undocumented plant products may carry agricultural pests, while their production, handling and transport conditions cannot be verified. There is also no way to confirm whether pesticide residues comply with Costa Rican limits.

The fruit will therefore be destroyed under biosecurity procedures. SFE also said complaints will be filed with the Golfito prosecutor’s office over the confirmed smuggling cases.

source and photo: mag.go.cr