BAPHIQ and Police Seized Counterfeit Agro-pesticides

August 25, 2006

Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) said that thirteen tons of counterfeit agro-pesticides, semi-products, and raw materials were seized in Zhang-Hua County by the cooperation of BAPHIQ, district prosecutors office and local police on August 24, 2006. This is the largest quantity of illegal case seized since December 2005. Further investigations by the agencies are still ongoing.

BAPHIQ said that it received tips several days ago, indicating that Xiang-Mao Biotechnology Company located in Zhang-Hua County has been manufacturing counterfeit and prohibited agro-pesticides. BAPHIQ then informed Zhang-Hua district prosecutors office which directed local Police Department, immediately to begin a joint investigation, Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute. On August 24, the investigation team, after searching the factory, seized 10 manufacturing machines, 13 tons of counterfeit agro-pesticides, semi products and raw materials. After checking, though the prohibited pesticide “fentin acetate” was hot found, “imidacloprid”, “dimethomorph” and “emamectin benzoate” were discovered among the 40 kinds of counterfeit agro-pesticides seized on the site. Workers at the factory were all brought into custody for further investigation.

BAPHIQ points out that manufacturing, processing, or importing counterfeit or prohibited agro-pesticides shall be penalized by imprisonment with maximum of year term under the Agro-pesticide Management Law. Trading these pesticides shall be penalized by imprisonment with maximum up to 2 years, and using those pesticides will be fine from NT$15,000 to $75,000. BAPHIQ has pledge to crack down on illegal manufacture of agro-pesticides and urges farmers not to purchase those products from unauthorized sources or retailers. Citizens may call the toll free hotline 0800-039-131 to report any illegal cases. BAPHIQ offers NT$200,000 cash reward for any information leading to the capture or conviction of violators.