Ksh6 Million Banned Pesticide Seized in Mombasa
Chief Executive Director (PCPB) Fredrik Muchiri addressing the Media in Mombasa. (Photo By Mbungu Harrison)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has intercepted a 40-foot container loaded with unapproved and highly toxic pesticide worth an estimated Ksh6 million at Makupa Transit Shade CFS in Mombasa.
PCPB Coast regional manager Stanley Nganga said the consignment was flagged during a verification exercise.
The shipment contained 520 boxes of pesticide imported without the required PCPB permit.
“These are not allowed in the country. They are poisonous and are not allowed in the country,” he said.
The manager said the products originated from China and were being smuggled through the customs area.
“We intercepted it within the customs area. We are investigating the matter and the perpetrators will be arrested. After following all the procedures, we will seek court direction to ensure they are destroyed,” he said.
PCPB chief executive officer Fredrik Muchiri said the board had previously intercepted similar consignments in Garissa.
He noted discrepancies in the shipping documents which showed the cargo was meant for a different container freight station but ended up at Makupa CFS.
“If it was to move out, it would have been difficult to map. We are asking importers to stop importing poison that affects our people,” he said.
The CEO added that the consignment was declared in the manifest as “mosquito chips,” but the actual contents were mosquito sticks, not coils in an apparent attempt to avoid detection.
He warned that such illicit imports deny the government significant revenue and pose serious health risks.
“The toxic health effects are very high,” he said.
The board urged importers to comply with regulations and vowed to intensify surveillance to keep banned agrochemicals out of the market.
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