INSPECTION and Enforcement Officers of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) confiscated 83 cartons of unregistered pesticides from China Trading during inspection activities conducted recently.A statement from PTCCB noted that the seizures are in keeping with its mandate to eliminate the importation, sale and use of illegal pesticides, while reducing the availability of these unwanted products.

In keeping with regulations, all pesticides imported, sold and used in Guyana must be registered by the Board. The products seized during these operations were not registered by the PTCCB.

According to the statement, the pesticides confiscated have become commonly known as “Green Leaf Powder” and comprised mainly of Green Leaf Ants Bait, Green Leaf Cockroach Bait and Green Leaf Fly Bait.

“These products may be dangerous to the environment and human health, especially children, since the chemical content is unknown and may be highly toxic substances.

The registration process helps to ensure that products imported do not contain chemicals that are banned or may be severely hazardous and determines the level of toxicity,” the statement noted.

The general public is encouraged to avoid purchasing and using illegal pesticides, especially in their homes, offices, restaurants, hotels, etc.
In addition, street vending of pesticides is illegal and as such pesticides should not be purchased from the “man-in-street” but from a licensed vending shop.

The statement further noted that enforcement activities are continuing and illegal pesticides will continue to be confiscated as part of the PTCCB’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ campaign against illegal pesticides.

Enforcement activities have so far resulted in the confiscation of 444kg of illegal agricultural and household pesticides from numerous businesses countrywide.