Pineapple shipments share containers with drugs

DRUGS found in pineapple containers heading for Europe have pushed up shipping costs for Costa Rican exporters.

Costs will increase because of attempts to prevent their containers of fruits, tubers and ornamental plants being used to transport drugs.

In Europe seizures of drugs hidden in Costa Rican agricultural exports have concerned the agro-export sector, which is demanding greater security controls and processes in shipping goods overseas, both for the measures carried out in the country as well as those carried out once borders have been crossed, explained industry representatives.

"Agro producers and exporters in the country are concerned over local and international drug seizures, mainly cocaine in found shipments of fruit, tubers and ornamental plants and flowers. Earlier this month, the Spanish Civil Guard announced the seizure of 2.5 tons of cocaine (valued at $208 million) hidden in a container of pineapples coming from Costa Rica. The drugs were distributed among 2,296 packages. During the operation six people were arrested in the Iberian nation. "
Betsabé Alvarez, Manager of International Commerce at the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco) told Crhoy.com that "the country has struggled to forge a path of growth and support for exports, and this is being seriously affected by the insecurity which has moved to the export sector; in addition, serious damage is being done to the image of companies that invest economically in incorporating all of the security mechanisms in plants and export containers en route to the port of departure."