In the Axarquía area, east of Malaga province, authorities have initiated a coordinated operation involving the Vélez-Málaga Local Police, National Police, and the Guardia Civil to curb thefts amid the mango harvest season. Despite the mango's lower economic value compared to the avocado, its price stands at around two euros per kilo, a figure influenced by a significant reduction in fruit production due to a prolonged five-year drought affecting the region.
Over the last month, 42 control operations have been conducted, resulting in the inspection of approximately 200 vehicles. These efforts have led to the interception of 1,500 kilos of mangoes, suspected to have been unlawfully taken from various farms, culminating in the arrest of four individuals. Notably, operations have yielded substantial seizures, including 500 kilos from a farm in Cajiz and one tonne from a residence in La Gloria, where the occupants could not verify the mangoes' legal procurement.
Additionally, the police have extended their surveillance to street markets within the Vélez-Málaga vicinity, confiscating 90 kilos of tomatoes alongside the seized mangoes. A meeting convened by Mayor Jesus Lupiáñez and agriculture councillor Jesus Maria Claros with representatives from major farming associations and law enforcement aimed to strategize on combating rural theft, focusing on subtropical fruit thefts. The collaborative efforts have reportedly led to a notable decrease in such incidents, providing farmers with a sense of security and allowing them to concentrate on their agricultural activities.
The meeting underscored the commitment to ongoing dialogue among stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of current measures and explore additional strategies as needed. The town hall of Vélez-Málaga reaffirmed its dedication to the agricultural sector, recognizing it as a crucial component of the local economy and vowing to continue safeguarding the interests of farmers.
Source: Sur in English