FIA, DPP joint operation targets adulterated pesticide manufacturers

ISLAMABAD: In a significant joint effort to tackle the production and distribution of counterfeit pesticides in Pakistan, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Department of Plant Protection (DPP) conducted a raid on Wednesday (March 27, 2024), at a facility owned by M/s. Crop Life International located in Karachi. 

As per documents available with this scribe, the raid resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of deleterious pesticides and fertilizers worth millions of rupees.

Ms. Zaeema Khan, Deputy Director of Pesticides Registration, along with Mr. Muzammil Hussain, an Entomologist, and other DPP officials, collected samples of pesticides found on the premises. These samples, including Fipronil 0.4% G, Phorate 5% G, Carbofuron 3%G, and Thiamethoxam TC, were sent to laboratories for analysis to identify any harmful substances used in their production.

Additionally, all remaining pesticides in the factory were confiscated as they lacked the necessary permissions and registrations required under the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971.

As per details following the raid, a formal complaint was lodged under section 26A of the Agricultural Pesticides Ordinance, 1971, prompting FIA Karachi to initiate legal proceedings against Mr. Nusratullah, the CEO of M/s. Crop Life International, and his associates for violating various sections of the ordinance and the Pakistan Penal Code.

Mr. Nusratullah, apprehended during the operation, admitted to manufacturing and distributing counterfeit pesticides and fertilizers across Sindh and Punjab. In light of this revelation, FIA has expanded its investigation to apprehend other individuals involved in this illicit network, with further raids anticipated to target distributors and retailers.

Analysis conducted by the Federal Pesticides Testing and Reference Laboratory confirmed that the seized pesticides were indeed counterfeit and contained harmful substances, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

The Director General of the Department of Plant Protection Karachi announced the launch of a special anti-pesticide adulteration campaign nationwide, with FIA’s collaboration, to identify and shut down facilities involved in the production and distribution of fake pesticides. 

As per officials, this initiative aligns with the government’s goal of providing farmers with quality pesticides to enhance crop yields and promote economic self-sufficiency.

According to officials, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to boost agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on imported goods, DPP has instructed its inspectors to conduct intelligence-based raids and crack down on establishments engaged in the production and sale of adulterated pesticides. This proactive approach aims to protect farmers from purchasing harmful products and hold accountable those responsible for their production and distribution.