800 kilograms of tomatoes smuggled from Turkey found in Rehovot, Ashdod
By law, it is forbidden to import any plants to Israel, and doing so is considered a criminal offense.
By OMRI RONTomatoes smuggled from Turkey(photo credit: AGRICULTURE MINISTRY)
The Agriculture Ministry has found 800 kg. of smuggled tomatoes from Turkey.According to a statement by the ministry, the tomatoes were brought to Ashdod where one merchant had planned to sell them to another merchant in Rehovot, while keeping some in his storage unit.According to the investigation, he had also planned to sell the tomatoes with their pedicel (flower stems) still attached, with the hoped of extending their shelf life. This presents further danger to local agriculture as many lesions and pests can be found beneath it which could damage all sectors of the field. The man was brought in for questioning and will likely be prosecuted.By law, it is forbidden to import any plants to Israel; doing so is considered a criminal offense.
