Civil Guard a place Arenales del Sol ship The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported this Thursday that within an international network that trades in phytosanitary products that are not subject to any controls, this can harm health and the environment. Within the scope of the operationkaltegarria“Six people arrested (five in Spain and one in France), “members of an international criminal group Purchasing, storing and marketing phytosanitary products for professional usewithout being properly authorized,” it said in a statement.
In addition to the recordings in Elche, three more recordings were made in the town of Irún (Guipúzcoa) and a fifth investigation in the French town of Castres recorded the seizure of more than 26 tonnes of unregulated phytosanitary products. approximately 20,000 euros in cash and seven vehicles. Also, their blocked a large number of financial assetsto contain 14 bank accounts. The value of the seized assets was exceeded million euro.
three million profit
It is estimated that this criminal organization has captured illegal benefit close to three million eurosderived from illegal sale In addition to the use of the above-mentioned chemical products in national territories to various countries of the European continent, emphasizes France. Detainees are accused of numerous crimes by the Civil Guard Membership of a criminal organization, crimes against the environment and natural resources, against public health, catastrophic risk, document forgery and money laundering crimes.
Vegetable
The operation was developed in the context of phytosanitary. protect plants and their products from damages caused by pests, weeds and organisms disease causing.
“Plants play an important role in preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as making the agricultural and forestry sector sustainable and competitive. But achieving healthy plants is a challenge because the movement of goods and people, as well as trade, supports the spread of plants. “Diseases and pests. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that up to 40 percent of food crops are lost each year due to these diseases and pests. This affects the food supply of millions of people and harms agriculture,” the Civil Guard explains.
The Civil Guard reminds us that “Spain is the first producer in the European Union It is one of the main exporters in the fruit and vegetable sector worldwide and also tops the list of EU exporters in the fruit and vegetable sector and is one of the three largest exporters in the world. with China and the USA. This dominant position in the market can have a very significant impact on the safety and health of societies. also in the environmentIn case of use of unauthorized phytosanitary substances. Manufacturers and marketers of illegal phytosanitary products, often integrated into criminal organizations, and end users consciously accept these risks. The main motivation that causes these crimes to be committed is the existence of a demand by agricultural sector The use of these illegal products, either due to the tradition of use of the product or its effectiveness, indicates that this trade provides criminals with significant illegal benefits.” The regulatory framework applicable at European and national level prohibits or restricts the commercialization and use of certain phytosanitary products, With environmental protection and end user motivation.
Phytosanitary products
“Phytosanitary products are chemical mixtures containing active ingredients and other components whose purpose is to protect plants from harmful organisms. They contribute to increased productivity in agriculture and help ensure quality in food. However, their use can also cause negative effects on plant production. may pose a risk to humans, animals and the environment. The toxicity of these products can be very high both in the people who use them and in the consumers; “Application of a legal product for purposes other than those for which it was designed may result in the complete loss of processed crops. Application of such products in the environment poses a risk to the product.” quality soil, water and biodiversity“.
The operation was directed by the Instruction Court No. 5 of Irún (Guipúzcoa) and is coordinated jointly with the Environmental Central Operation Unit (UCOMA) of the Nature Protection Service of the Civil Guard (SEPRONA) Headquarters (Central Office for Combating Attacks on the Environment and Public Health of the French Gendarmerie). OCLAESP) and Europol.
The operation was carried out by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Integration of Regions, the French Biodiversity Office (OFB) under the Ministry of Agriculture, and the National Veterinary and Plant Health Research Brigade (BNEVP) under the French Ministry of Agriculture. Various units from the Guipúzcoa and Alicante Commands and members of the Civil Guard’s Sinological Service also participated.