Government and exporters against drug mafias

Sources: Expreso

The Government is working on a plan to fight against drugs or gangs who are trying to infect the ready containers to be sent abroad.

“Obviously the key in the subject is efficient control, to minimize the effect on the whole logistics of Ecuadorian products to outside sales,” told to Diario EXPRESO Diego Aulestia, Minister of foreign trade.

From January to date the national police has caught 45 tons of narcotics in the country, 25 of them were neutralized in Ecuadorian ports. Even, from January to May of this year have broken up 29 organizations dedicated to international traffic.

Exporters, victims of the contamination of drugs, are more interested in shielding its exports. In addition to legal risks, they suffer economic losses. For example, a seized banana container means a loss of more than $8,500. And shrimp, around $120,000.

Exporters also have the support of the authorities, anti-narcotics police, also has advice from Pro Ecuador, said Victor Jurado, executive director of the Institute of Promotion of Exports and Investments.

One of the options that companies have is the BASC certification, which is an international business alliance nonprofit that promotes a safe trade in cooperation with Governments and international agencies.

On the other hand, Manuel Romero, executive director of the Corporación Regional de Bananeros (Agroban), said that more money must be invert so that the ports have enough scanners. Inspections would be less drastic and would avoid damaging the fruit.