Tunisian Authorities Seize 30 Quintals of Subsidized Flour

Tunisian authorities have seized 30 quintals of subsidized flour in an economic monitoring operation in the Banzart governorate. The operation was carried out by a team from the Regional Trade Administration in Banzart, in coordination with the Research and Inspection Brigade of the National Guard in Mateur. The seized flour was found to have been diverted from the legal market.

The operation was part of the implementation of the outputs of the periodic work sessions of the Regional Committee for Price Monitoring and Combating Smuggling and Parallel Trade, chaired by the Governor of Banzart, Salem Ben Yaqoub. The committee aims to monitor and control the prices of essential goods and prevent smuggling and parallel trade.

During the operation, the team seized 10 quintals of subsidized flour that was being transported in a vehicle in one of the neighborhoods of the city of Mateur. Further investigations led to the identification of the classified bakery whose owner had diverted the quantity mentioned. The team then headed to the bakery and seized an additional 20 quintals of the same material.

The authorities took legal action against those involved in the diversion of the subsidized flour, for violating the support procedures. The value of the seized flour was secured in the state's general treasury. The operation demonstrates the authorities' efforts to combat smuggling and parallel trade and to protect the state's subsidies for essential goods.

The Regional Trade Administration in Banzart, in coordination with other authorities, continues to monitor the market and control prices to prevent any irregularities. The administration also appeals to citizens to report any suspicions of smuggling or parallel trade. The state's efforts aim to ensure the availability of essential goods at controlled prices and to protect the purchasing power of citizens.

The Governor of Banzart, Salem Ben Yaqoub, chairs the Regional Committee for Price Monitoring and Combating Smuggling and Parallel Trade, which meets periodically to discuss the situation in the region and take necessary measures. The committee brings together representatives of various authorities, including trade, finance, and security.

The seizure of 30 quintals of subsidized flour is part of a broader effort to combat smuggling and parallel trade in Tunisia. The authorities continue to work to protect the state's subsidies and ensure the availability of essential goods at controlled prices. The operation also highlights the importance of citizen participation in reporting any suspicions of irregularities.

Key points

• The Tunisian authorities seized 30 quintals of subsidized flour in an economic monitoring operation in the Banzart governorate.
• The operation was part of the implementation of the outputs of the periodic work sessions of the Regional Committee for Price Monitoring and Combating Smuggling and Parallel Trade.
• The authorities took legal action against those involved in the diversion of the subsidized flour, for violating the support procedures.