Ankara, January 14 – An operation conducted by the Ankara Provincial Gendarmerie Command has led to the seizure of 11,400 kilograms of counterfeit meat and various food products, along with 20,000 fake labels belonging to different companies. The operation, targeting the production and sale of fake food, resulted in the apprehension of three suspects.
Extensive Investigation Leads to Four Businesses
The Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams, as part of their ongoing efforts to prevent smuggling, initiated an investigation into businesses involved in the production and sale of counterfeit food. Research conducted by the Smuggling and Organized Crime (KOM) Branch Directorate teams identified four different businesses operating in Polatlı that were engaged in the production of counterfeit food products.
Coordinated Raid Uncovers Large-Scale Fraud
Under the coordination of the Polatlı Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, a joint operation was carried out today by the KOM Branch Directorate, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, and the District Gendarmerie Command teams. The raid uncovered a significant amount of illicit goods, including 11,400 kilograms of counterfeit meat and various food items, oils, and food dyes, with an estimated market value of approximately 9.7 million Turkish Liras. Additionally, 20,000 counterfeit labels from different companies were seized.
All seized materials have been confiscated, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the three suspects involved in the operation.
Public Health at Risk from Counterfeit Products
The seizure of such a large quantity of counterfeit food highlights the serious public health risks posed by illegal food production. Authorities emphasize the importance of consumer vigilance and reporting suspicious products to prevent the spread of unsafe food items in the market. The use of fake labels further complicates the issue, as it misleads consumers into believing they are purchasing legitimate and safe products.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Food Fraud
This operation is part of broader efforts by Turkish authorities to combat food fraud and ensure the safety of food products available to the public. Law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with agricultural and food safety departments, are continuously working to identify and dismantle networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit and harmful food items. The investigation into this particular case is ongoing, and further details may emerge as legal proceedings continue.
The authorities reiterate their commitment to protecting public health and maintaining the integrity of the food supply chain by taking stringent measures against those who engage in such illicit activities.
Source: https://www.haberturk.com/ankara-haberleri/40253368-baskentte-11-bin-400-kilogram-sahte-et-ve-gida-ele-gecirildi
