‘Hakkari onion’ smuggling attempt thwarted
An Iranian national was apprehended by the Yuksekova Esendere Customs Enforcement, Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate, attempting to smuggle Hakkari onion plants out of the country. The individual was caught with two sacks filled with these plants in violation of biodiversity regulations.
Three accomplices involved in this illegal operation were identified and fined $36,000.
Plants were replanted in suitable habitats
In the post made on the social media X account of the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, the following statements were made:
“On May 29, 2024, during the controls carried out by the personnel of Esendere Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate upon a tip-off received by Yuksekova Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate under Hakkari Provincial Branch Directorate, it was determined that an Iranian national was trying to export a large number of Hakkari onion (Allium rhetoreanum-Nab.) plants in two sacks with him.
It was determined that the plants were collected with and without their tubers by destroying nature. All plants were confiscated by Yuksekova Nature Conservation and National Parks Directorate.
The plants that could germinate were planted in suitable habitats in the Yuksekova Daglica region in the presence of Faculty Member Muzaffer Mukemre, and the bulbless specimens were delivered to Faculty Member Muzaffer Mukemre, who works at Hakkari University Yuksekova Vocational School, Department of Plant and Animal Production, to be used in scientific studies.
The Hakkari onion, known for its unique flavor and cultural significance, is a protected species due to its importance in local agriculture and biodiversity preservation efforts.
