saisie de 34 conteneurs chargés de bananes au port d’Annaba
Summary of the Incident of Banana Seizure at Annaba Port
On Sunday, the Algerian Customs authorities conducted a significant seizure at the port of Annaba, where they confiscated 34 containers filled with bananas destined for speculation. The total weight of the seized bananas exceeded 800,000 kilograms. Major General Abdelhafid Bakhouche, the Director-General of Customs, reported this incident during a press statement given at the port.
According to Major General Bakhouche, an investigation has been initiated to explore the details surrounding this matter. The bananas were owned by a private economic operator who failed to complete the necessary customs clearance procedures to retrieve the goods, despite having received numerous official reminders and warnings to do so.
Bakhouche expressed concern over the operator’s apparent disregard for the customs process, which he viewed as a violation of market supply regulations, especially considering that bananas are perishable items. His on-site presence during the seizure operation was intended to send a strong message to speculators regarding the strict enforcement of laws governing trade and customs procedures.
In a related update, Ali Badaoui, the Director-General of National Security, confirmed that the seizure would lead to a judicial inquiry under the supervision of the local prosecutor. This investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding this case of speculation and assess how it affects citizens’ rights to a stable supply in the national market.
Badaoui emphasized that customs operations at all national ports provide the same level of facilitation, thus eliminating any excuses for economic operators to leave their merchandise stranded at the ports for extended periods. He clarified that the seized bananas had been imported with a license from the Ministry of Trade and Market Regulation, indicating that the shipment was part of a plan to ensure the availability of the product. Failing to distribute these bananas to the market constitutes a breach of the operator’s commitments to both the state and the citizens.
The incident highlights a growing concern regarding speculation in the agricultural sector, particularly regarding essential commodities like bananas. The government’s proactive stance, as evidenced by the prompt seizure and planned judicial inquiry, underscores its commitment to maintaining market stability and ensuring that essential goods are available to consumers.
In conclusion, the seizure of over 800,000 kg of bananas at the Annaba port serves as a critical reminder of the importance of compliance with customs regulations in Algeria. The ongoing investigation aims to prevent similar occurrences that could disrupt the supply of vital products in the national market, reinforcing the message that the government will take stringent measures to uphold the rights of consumers and the integrity of market operations.
