Constantine Ramp Up Crack Assault on Food Smuggling

With Ramadan underway and commercial activity surging, authorities in Constantine have ramp up inspections across markets to protect consumers and ensure compliance with trading regulations. The Regional Commerce Directorate, working alongside local control bodies and security services, has launched extensive operations targeting fraudulent and unsafe practices.

In recent weeks, inspections have led to the seizure of nearly 4.7 tonnes of goods, including over 2 tonnes of meat, and the destruction of products deemed unfit for consumption. Notably, 725.6 kg of bananas were confiscated at the wholesale fruit and vegetable market for being sold without proper invoicing, amid rising prices reaching 600 DZD per kilogram. Offenders now face administrative and judicial proceedings.

Authorities also targeted hygiene violations, especially during busy evening hours when trading peaks. Operations extended beyond the capital to surrounding communes like Aïn Abid, ensuring that expired or unsafe products are removed from sale.

So far, officials report 2,113 inspections in commercial practices, revealing 289 violations, while 2,909 fraud-focused interventions uncovered 255 infractions. The crackdown has also prompted proposals to close four establishments for severe regulatory breaches.

The Directorate of Commerce emphasises that inspections will continue throughout Ramadan, reinforcing food safety and consumer protection across the wilaya.