The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), conducted a search on the home of a Berbice man where just about 300 kilograms of illegal pesticides was unearthed
According to PTCCB, officials of the two law enforcement agencies stormed the home of Veerasammy Armogan, of Crabwood Creek Backland, Grant 1779 Corentyne, Berbice around 23:00h on Sunday, uncovering not only illegal pesticides but other contraband.
On Monday, the PTCCB pointed to the fact the confiscated products were regarded as highly hazardous pesticides and pose significant risks to human health, agricultural production, economic trade, and even the environment.
PTCCB Registrar Trecia Garnath said the Board strongly condemned acts of this nature, given the major health and environmental impacts these chemicals could
Inspectors confiscating the illegal pesticides
cause.
“The global trade in counterfeit and illegal pesticides is growing. With increasing quantities of fake and illegal pesticides being produced, marketed and sold by organised criminal groups around the world, there are greater risks to the safety of handlers, farmers, consumers, and the environment,” Garnath said.
It was noted that legal proceedings have begun against Armogan since there was intent to distribute, sell, or use. The PTCCB is also currently investigating further intelligence gathered to curb the illegal trade of counterfeit pesticides in Guyana.
According to the PTCCB, “counterfeit and illegal products are neither tested nor evaluated and are not subjected to the legislative regulatory process for pesticides. These products often contain chemicals which are either banned or restricted due to the risk they pose to human health and/or the environment”.
The PTCCB reminded that undeclared active ingredients in counterfeit and illegal products can leave unacceptable residues on produce, rendering goods unfit for market. Further, as the contents of counterfeit and illegal products are unknown, their use can pose a high risk to farmers, their crops, the environment and consumers.
The PTCCB has noted that it will continue to collaborate with law enforcement personnel to carry out its operations to confiscate and safely dispose of counterfeit or illegal pesticides countrywide.
