
From French cheeses to Spanish hams, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday called for the destruction of Western produce being smuggled into the country in breach of an official embargo.
Moscow last year banned a slew of food products from the West in retaliation for biting economics sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.
The embargo has seen truckloads of delicacies, from cheese to pate, stopped at the border and allegations swirl that products are being relabelled in neighbouring ex-Soviet countries and imported illegally.
Up until now any smuggled produce being caught has been turned around and sent back.
But Agriculture minister Alexander Tkachev proposed at a government meeting on Friday that legislation be revised to allow customs officers to destroy the products instead.
"Let's agree with the minister's proposal," Putin said, according to a transcript of the meeting published by the Kremlin. "I ask that the administration and the government look into the issue along with lawyers and propose the appropriate decisions."
It remains unclear when the proposal could be reviewed by lawmakers.
In spite of the embargo, Russians have been allowed to bring small quantities of banned products into the country for personal consumption.
Seizure of illegal goods have become common at Russian border crossings since the embargo came into force.
Earlier this week, Russian custom officials said they had foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly half a tonne of European cheese into the country.
GMT 15:13 2018 Saturday ,20 January
US 'erred' in supporting WTO membership for China, RussiaGMT 17:22 2018 Thursday ,18 January
US industrial output in 2017 posts biggest gain since 2010GMT 17:12 2018 Thursday ,18 January
No more bonuses for Carillion bosses after UK collapseGMT 17:20 2018 Wednesday ,17 January
EU to remove Panama, South Korea from tax haven blacklistGMT 17:16 2018 Wednesday ,17 January
Citigroup reports steep Q4 losses tied to US tax reformGMT 17:11 2018 Wednesday ,17 January
Pressure rises on British govt over Carillion collapseGMT 17:52 2018 Monday ,15 January
Iran jetliner deal could take longer to complete, Airbus saysGMT 17:44 2018 Monday ,15 January
EU to remove Panama, Korea, UAE, 5 others from tax haven blacklist
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor