Russian customs destroy 140 tons of citrus fruit

Russian customs officials in Novorossiysk confiscated and destroyed approximately 140 tons of citrus fruit. The shipment arrived with documentation claiming the goods were of Turkish origin. However, inspections of the packaging revealed markings identifying the Republic of Cyprus as the producer. The import of these products constitutes a violation of the Russian food embargo established in 2014. This embargo prohibits the import of agricultural goods from countries that implemented sanctions against Moscow. Ivan Okorokov, deputy head of the Novorossiysk customs office, stated that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Rosselkhoznadzor phytosanitary service. Russian authorities declared the cargo as contraband and executed the destruction in accordance with national legislation.