The US state of California is suing New Jersey-based import company Bombino Express Worldwide for US$1.7m, the Associated Press has reported.
The suit alleges the importer brought in Indian yams and mangoes that had bypassed quarantine procedures, possibly introducing the pest Oriental fruit fly.
The produce was apparently in containers labelled ‘ladies apparel’ and ‘business material’, meaning it skipped irradiation.
Agriculture officials say the Oriental fruit fly could cost US$176m in crop losses if it got loose in California. The insect has previously been a problem in Hawaii.
The smuggled fruit was picked up by a sniffer dog in California's Ontario International Airport in April last year.
No comments yet