LAHORE: Customs authorities have intercepted 17 trucks loaded with contaminated Indian garlic at Wagah Land Freight Unit (LFU) which was imported despite imposition of a ban on it.
Earlier, 15 trucks were intercepted by the authorities due to fungus and dangerous bacteria in garlic. The Plant Protection Department has banned the import of Indian garlic because they found dangerous bacteria and fungus in it after laboratory tests.
It is learnt that some importers, after getting approval certificates from private laboratories, have started importing Indian garlic. Up to now, they imported 32 trucks of garlic, which were stopped on the border for checking.
The Plant Protection Department, while examining the garlic, found fungus and dangerous chemicals for human health on it and suspended its import.
The Customs will not clear the trucks until the approval of the Plant Protection Department, an official said.
On the other hand, Director General of Plant Protection has ordered the authorities to send trucks back to India or dump all loaded garlic as it is harmful for human health.
