In Pictures: "Akkaoui" smuggler... and warehouses sealed with red wax!

The Ministry of Agriculture announced in a statement that, "within the framework of implementing the national plan to combat smuggling and enhance protection of local agricultural and animal production, the Financial Crimes Office, in cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, carried out a series of raids that resulted in seizing quantities of smuggled products and taking the necessary legal measures against violators.

In detail, specialized teams raided a number of warehouses in the Chouaifat - Al-Omroussiya area, where quantities of Czech Akkaoui cheese made from powdered milk, not fresh milk, were seized, which had been introduced into the Lebanese markets illegally. One of the warehouses was sealed with red wax after the smuggled goods were found inside.

Also, in a second warehouse in the Hay El Sellom area, about 200 tins of smuggled Czech Akkaoui were seized, where the warehouse and goods were placed under judicial custody, while investigations continue under the supervision of the competent authorities.

The relevant agencies have begun investigating the implicated individuals in preparation for taking appropriate legal measures against them, according to applicable laws and regulations.

These operations come within the context of the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, in cooperation with regulatory and security agencies, to combat smuggling and protect national production from unfair competition, especially in the dairy and cheese sector, thereby contributing to supporting farmers, cattle breeders, and Lebanese food industries, and preserving food safety and enhancing food security in Lebanon".