Stepped up sanitary surveillance at the Punta Cana International Airport resulted in the confiscating of a shipment of consumables Spanish singer Julio Iglesias was bringing in from The Bahamas as personal luggage. The groceries for the Iglesias villa arrived on a private plane. The Spanish singer resides in Punta Cana. Reports are that the import of fresh produce groceries is a repeated practice of the famous singer.
The phytosanitary security at the airport has been recently enhanced after reports of findings of Mediterranean Fly in the Punta Cana area. It is suspect the fly entered on one of the many flights from abroad on 10 January 2024.
The world-famous entertainer had arrived in Punta Cana International Airport on 10 January. He traveled on a Gulfstream G550 direct from The Bahamas. In his luggage inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture found about 100 pounds of fruits, vegetables, and meats. All of this food was confiscated by the inspectors.
Given the fame and fortune of the Spanish artist, Agriculture Minister Limber Cruz Lopez explained the situation to the public.
Unfortunately for Iglesias, Minister Cruz Lopez was very clear. The introduction of fruits, vegetables, and meats in a person’s luggage violates Plant Health Law 4990, which specifies fines and possible jail time.
Cruz explained that the Dominican Republic is vigilant regarding the arrival of insects and other pests.
Cruz Lopez mentioned the Mediterranean fruit fly that is a threat to Dominican fruit farmers. Minister Cruz Lopez stressed that everyone, famous or not, is subject to inspection and confiscation as occurred on 10 January 2024.
Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, mushrooms, and arugula, and even chicken breasts in sealed packs were seized, among other items. These items are sold in Dominican supermarkets.
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Diario Libre
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
15 January 2024