The number of inbound travelers caught with illegal pork products has increased by 2.3 times between January and April. That’s according to the Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC), which announced the figures on Thursday.
The center says there were 74 cases in April, up from 32 cases in January. The center says that although the number of inbound travelers is still below pre-pandemic levels, the number of people caught with illegal meat products is equal to pre-pandemic levels.
The center says travelers caught with illegal meat products have given a number of explanations for their violations. These include having forgotten about the restrictions, or being unaware that the products had been placed in their baggage by family or friends. The center adds that some of the confiscated pork products have tested positive for African swine fever virus, demonstrating the risk of the virus entering the country remains high.
The center says they are strengthening enforcement measures at international airports nationwide. It adds that repeat offenders will receive a greater fine. The fines are NT$200,000 (US6,500) for a first offense and NT$1 million (US$32,500) for a second offense. The center says it hopes the public will not take any chances.