South korea: South Korean quarantine authorities have uncovered an illegal import case of unauthorized agricultural products from China valued at 15.8 billion won (US$10.8 million), according to officials Monday. A group consisting of nine importers and three brokers is accused of smuggling a total of 1,150 tons of dried jujubes, raw peanuts, and dried red peppers from China without the necessary quarantine inspection, according to the state-run Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the shipments also included fresh Chinese fruits and apple saplings that are prohibited from import. This case represents the single-largest illegal import incident identified by the agency. The APQA plans to refer the case to the prosecution for further action.

Illegal agricultural imports can lead to severe penalties, including a maximum of three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won under the Plant Protection Act. APQA Commissioner Choi Jung-rok stated that reckless imports of prohibited items, such as dried agricultural products, saplings, and fresh fruits, without undergoing quarantine procedures, can introduce foreign pests and diseases that may harm domestic agriculture and livestock.