Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 25, 2018 News
Some 10.2 tonnes of illegal or counterfeit pesticides were sized last year as a result of inspections carried out by the Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board (PTCCB) on pesticide importers, vendors, distributors, toxic chemical control importers, supermarkets, general and hardware stores and community market countrywide.
This is according to PTCCB Annual Report, which outlined that the semi-autonomous body, which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture conducted several inspections throughout 2017 at wharves, warehouses, major pesticides storage facilities and toxic chemical importers and industries.
The PTCCB said that it collaborated with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs and Trade Administration at Wharf and Warehouses, to conduct four inspections, which aimed at monitoring pesticides imports.
The report said, “(Last year), 62 inspections were conducted at major pesticide storage facilities and recommendations were made for corrections of any non-compliance that were observed.”
It was highlighted in the report that the PTCCB commenced inspection of toxic chemical importers some of which included the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, Sterling Products Limited and Twins Manufacturing Chemists. The PTCCB operates under the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Act 2000 (No. 13 of 2000).
Earlier this month, PTCCB along with ranks of the Guyana Police Force stopped a major smuggling operation, which saw the seizure of 300 kilograms of illegal or unregistered pesticides.
The operation saw officials searching the home of Veerasammy Armogan of Crabwood Creek Backland, Grant 1779 Corentyne, Berbice where the illegal pesticides, among other contraband were unearthed. Legal proceedings have been initiated against Armogan for the possession of illegal/unregistered pesticides with intent to distribute, sell or use.
It was noted that the confiscated items are highly hazardous pesticides and pose significant risks to human health, agricultural production, economic trade and the environment.
Furthermore, the PTCCB noted that counterfeit and illegal products are neither tested nor evaluated and contains chemicals that are either banned or restricted due to the risk they pose to heath and the environment.
The board said that undeclared active ingredients in counterfeit and illegal products can leave unacceptable residues on produce, rendering goods unfit for market.
“The global trade in counterfeit and illegal pesticides is growing. With increasing quantities of fake and illegal pesticides being produced, marketed and sold by organized criminal groups around the world, there are greater risks to the safety of handlers, farmers, consumers and the environment,” it said.
Nevertheless, the PTCCB said that it will continue its collaboration with law enforcement agencies to carry out its operations to confiscate and safely dispose these products. As it is, the Board said it is also currently investigating further intelligence gathered to curb the illegal trade of counterfeit.
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