HILARY HOSIA
Over 900 pounds of betel nuts was seized by authorities last week Wednesday at the Amata Kabua International Airport.
The betel nuts were taken off the United Airlines Island Hopper flight that was inbound from Guam and Pohnpei.
Although it is not illegal for betel nuts to enter the Marshall Islands, the distribution with the intent of selling of the nut is illegal.
Earlier this year, the Office of the Attorney General spearheaded the Taskforce for Betel Nuts, Drugs and Firearms to regulate the importation of nuts into RMI.
The taskforce is mandated with advising the public to obtain permits prior to the importation of nuts for personal consumption. Each person is allowed 20 pounds as cargo on each incoming flight.
The seized items were camouflaged in suitcases, in addition to their regular shipment forms in coolers and boxes.
Custom officers handed the items over to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Development, where the items were stored and then this week, taken to the Majuro Atoll Waste Company’s Batkan landfill and mixed in with the garbage.
Owners of the excess betel nuts were notified and were allowed to retrieve their empty suitcases.
Due to the large amount of seized betel nuts from the United Airlines flight last week, authorities decided to bury the confiscated items at the dumpsite at Majuro Atoll Waste Company in Rairok.
Two pick-up loads of betel nuts were transported by police and quarantine officials Tuesday for disposal.