The Georgia Department of Agriculture has expanded cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prevent illegal drugs from being smuggled through produce shipments.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the agency's law enforcement division, reinstated two years ago, has uncovered drugs hidden inside fresh produce. "We have found drugs smuggled in through produce. Everything from cocaine in peppers to meth in celery and cucumbers. You name it, we've found it," Harper said.
The division also investigates livestock theft, but Harper noted that preventing drug cartels from using agriculture as a cover has become a priority. "The cartels see agriculture as a way to move their product. We will stand as a roadblock in their way," he said.
Last year, Georgia agents seized more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in celery at a farmers market in Atlanta, along with marijuana valued at US$24 million, allegedly run by Chinese nationals.
According to Harper, Mexican cartels are increasingly using food shipments to traffic drugs. The Department of Agriculture said it responds to all threats to the food supply, including drugs, pathogens, and toxins. Harper emphasized that the mission is two-fold: Protecting Georgia's farmers and families and ensuring food safety before products reach grocery store shelves.
Source: News Channel 6