SRD 17 Million Worth of Powdered Milk Vanishes from Suriname's Melkcentrale, Investigation Launched

Large Quantity of Powdered Milk Missing

Approximately SRD 17 million (Surinamese Dollars) worth of powdered milk, equivalent to nearly four containers or over 3,000 bags, has reportedly vanished from the Melkcentrale in Suriname. The disappearance has prompted significant concern and led to official action from the government.

Minister Noersalim Initiates Investigation

In response to the incident, Minister Mike Noersalim of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) has taken swift action by installing a new Supervisory Board (Raad van Commissarissen - RvC) for the Melkcentrale. The board, led by Monché Atompai, has been tasked with submitting a report on the situation to the minister within one week. Other members of the newly appointed RvC include Ritesh Bissumbhar, Franklin Misiekaba, Larissa Bardan, and Soemjatie Somohardjo.

Timeline of Events and Employee Protests

A complaint regarding the missing powdered milk was filed approximately three weeks prior to September 24, 2025. On August 29, 2025, police arrested a stock management employee for questioning in connection with the disappearance. This arrest sparked immediate protests from Melkcentrale employees, who staged a full work stoppage on the same day. Workers argued that the arrested individual was not involved, citing a lack of evidence from camera footage. The employee was subsequently released by the police later that day.

Following the protests, the staff union escalated the matter to the permanent committee of The National Assembly (DNA) responsible for LVV. On September 3, 2025, the DNA committee, accompanied by the LVV ministry's Quick Scan Team, visited the Melkcentrale. An agreement was reached for employees to resume work, initially with adjusted hours from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, to allow the Quick Scan Team to conduct its investigation. The new RvC has since commenced its own inquiry into the matter.

Melkcentrale's Role and Challenges

Melkcentrale is a state-owned enterprise crucial to the processing and distribution of milk and dairy products within Suriname. The company's director, Sitaram Dewkoemar, has previously highlighted challenges such as outdated statutes hindering product diversification and intense competition from imported dairy products with longer shelf lives.