"Massive Olive Oil Seizure: Police Crack Down on Adulterated Products in Spain and Italy"

Police in Spain and Italy have arrested 11 people and seized over 5,000 litres of adulterated olive oil after dismantling an international gang that was passing off cheap oils as more expensive ones. The investigation, conducted by the Guardia Civil, carabinieri, and Europol, led to raids in both countries and the search of olive-processing cooperatives in Spain. The gang mixed lower-quality oils with cloudy oils to create virgin and extra virgin olive oil, falsifying documents and impeding traceability. The counterfeiting of olive oil is a common practice, posing health risks and undermining consumer trust. Olive oil prices have risen due to adverse weather conditions affecting harvests, exacerbating the situation.