Around 20 kilos of fruit was seized by SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Deppartment) from the cruise ship tourists sailing on "Star Princess", "Marina" and "Infinity" on Monday.

The fruit they brought with them from the cruise ships had to be seized by the Chilean Authorities in order to prevent the spread of pests, said Fernando Horn, deputy chief of the office.

This happened just hours after SAG Regional Director of Los Lagos, Alfredo Fröhlich, did not enter a call to animal products and / or plant to reach the country. " SAG, through the screening of passengers, baggage and transport, prevented the entry of agricultural quarantine pests and exotic diseases of animals that entered, could seriously affect our country's agricultural and forestry activity and exports," said .

On the specific procedure, the manager explained that "when in doubt, it is best to declare, in the Joint Customs-SAG bring the products, whether in the suitcases, backpacks, bags, or inside the vehicle. People who do not declare they risk fines cancel ranging from 110,000 to 11 million, depending on the seriousness of the offense, the degree of intentionality, inter alia, "the SAG Regional Director.

Along with the above, the Authority emphasized that "ideally before traveling abroad inform people about products that can not enter the country. 

Fröhlich said the agency has just released the new version of the communication campaign "Declare, Chile is everyone's responsibility", in border control land, air and sea. "We seek to inform and educate people on products of plant and animal whose entry into Chile is regulated and / or banned. The objective of this measure is to maintain excellent health animal, plant and forest of our country, and thereby strengthen economic growth through exports and opening new markets. "