Seven officials were dismissed by the Government Innovation Authority (IMA) for selling rice from agro-fairs. Three of the dismissed employees worked in Panama City, three in Chitré, and one in Santiago.
Among the dismissed are three regional inspectors and four agro-marketing inspectors, all accused of marketing rice obtained from the fairs of the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA) to sell it in commercial establishments at a price higher than established.
The general director of the IMA assured that such actions will not be tolerated, as they go against the principles of transparency and ethics that govern the institution. In addition, he announced that internal controls will be reinforced to prevent future cases of corruption within the entity.
"From the IMA, we are committed to ensuring that products reach the final consumer at a fair price and without intermediaries seeking to make illegal excessive profits," said the dismissed official.
The agency invited citizens to report any irregularities in the marketing of agricultural products in order to take necessary measures and maintain integrity in the food distribution process in the country.
