Massive Crackdown: Rs 300 Million Worth of Counterfeit Pesticides Confiscated

MULTAN: (By Malik Arif Kalrou) The Pest Warning and Quality Control Department has confiscated counterfeit and substandard agricultural pesticides worth more than Rs 300 million during the last six months across 12 districts in South Punjab. The department’s report highlights multiple raids and enforcement operations aimed at curbing the circulation of hazardous agricultural products in the region.

According to the report, officials collected a total of 585 pesticide samples during these operations, of which 43 were declared unfit for agricultural use. As a result, legal actions were promptly initiated, leading to the registration of 81 cases and the arrest of 37 individuals. In total, 65 raids were conducted, including the dismantling of one illegal pesticide manufacturing facility.

Multan Division leads with largest seizures

In Multan Division alone, counterfeit and adulterated pesticides worth over Rs 211.28 million were seized. Authorities collected 161 samples, with 28 failing to meet the required quality standards. This led to 34 cases being registered and seven suspects arrested. The division witnessed 28 raids, including the discovery and closure of an illegal pesticide factory.

District-wise, the seizures included Rs 18.3 million in Multan, Rs 14.64 million in Vehari, Rs 8.36 million in Khanewal, and Rs 4.99 million in Lodhran.

Bahawalpur Division’s efforts yield significant results

In Bahawalpur Division, fake and substandard pesticides valued at Rs 63.5 million were confiscated. Out of 227 samples collected, six were found unfit for use. The crackdown led to the registration of 23 cases and the arrest of 13 individuals, with 18 raids carried out across the division.

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District-wise seizures amounted to Rs 47.65 million in Rahim Yar Khan, Rs 0.95 million in Bahawalnagar, and Rs 0.62 million in Bahawalpur.

Dera Ghazi Khan Division intensifies crackdown

Dera Ghazi Khan Division recorded seizures of counterfeit pesticides worth Rs 25.68 million. Officials collected 197 samples, nine of which failed quality tests. Consequently, 24 cases were registered and 17 individuals were arrested after an extensive series of 119 raids.

Seized products included Rs 8.69 million in Dera Ghazi Khan district, Rs 8.90 million in Rajanpur, Rs 4.43 million in Muzaffargarh, and Rs 3.64 million in Layyah.

The Pest Warning and Quality Control Department remains committed to protecting farmers and ensuring the use of safe and effective agricultural inputs across South Punjab.