Guangzhou Customs have detained 28 people from three different groups accused of smuggling illegal fruit into the Chinese market since 2012, the Yangcheng Evening News reported.

The story reported the groups were accused of using a wide variety of methods to bring in CNY600 million (US$91 million) worth of fruit to the mainland during the period.

The media outlet did not name the companies involved, but mentioned they used a wide variety of smuggling methods including fake import permits, faked country of origin stamps and hiding the fact they were selling the produce on consignment.

The story mentioned the U.S., Chile, Australia and South Africa as some of the alleged countries of origin, highlighting around 40,000 metric tons (MT) of fruit, mostly cherries and grapes, had been smuggled illegally over the period.

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