The Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) seized ten tons of grapes this week that had been illegally introduced into the Demarcated Douro Region. Additionally, one individual was identified on suspicion of trafficking wine products.
A statement released this Saturday revealed that the operation took place in Armamar, in the district of Viseu, with the cooperation of the Northern Regional Unit and the Institute of Vine and Wine of Douro and Porto I.P. (IVDP).
“The criminal prevention operation aimed to detect and suppress the illegal entry of wine products from other regions, protecting the authenticity of wines with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) and Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), as well as safeguarding the economic integrity of legitimate sector agents,” the authority detailed in the note.
It was explained that the discovery took place in a warehouse in the Demarcated Douro Region, where grapes from another region were found ready to be illegally introduced into the region’s production circuit.
In addition to seizing these ten tons of product, a criminal case was initiated for the crime of trafficking wine products, a suspect was identified, and documents with evidential and probative value were seized.
The ASAE reported that the facts have already been communicated to the competent Judicial Authority, “and the seized grapes will be destroyed through controlled vinification.”
The authority assured in the note that it will continue to monitor and strengthen inspection actions in the wine sector, due to its significance in the national economy, in order to safeguard foodstuffs from potentially deceptive practices, throughout the entire national territory, promoting fair and loyal competition among economic operators.
