The number of people found illegally importing pork products into the country has increased 2.3 times from January to April, the African Swine Fever Response Center said on Thursday.
Photo: CNA
In January, 32 people were caught illegally importing pork products and were each fined NT$200,000, while the number caught and fined in April was 74, the center said, adding that this was the same number of cases reported in April 2019, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The increase in cases over the past four months was likely due to an influx of tourists following the lifting of pandemic-related border restrictions, it said.
Tests on sausages, jerky and other pork products seized by customs officers at the border showed traces of African Swine Fever (ASF), showing that the risk of importing the disease was still high, it said.
In response to the high risk, the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine has increased random inspections of passengers at all ports and international airports since April 10, it said, adding that the bureau hoped the increased inspections would serve as a deterrent.
Those unsure about what items can be imported legally can consult reference posters at the border or online, or can take the initiative by declaring any food items they are unsure about, the bureau said.
Those found illegally importing food products containing pork would be fined NT$200,000 on the first offense, and NT$1 million on subsequent offenses, it said.
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