Africa-Press – Tanzania. FIFTEEN people have been arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit pesticides including Sulphur dust used for controlling diseases in cashew nut crops.
Regional Commissioner Brig General Gaguti made the revelation here noting that the suspects were arrested between 28 and 29 this month in a crackdown conducted by police in various areas in the region.
He said the culprits were caught with 84.3 tonnes of expired Sulphur dust and 292 tons of chemical pesticides in stores in Mtwara Mikindani Municipal Council, Tandahimba, Newala and Nanyumbu.
The RPC directed the Regional Police Commander to complete the legal process and other procedures and immediately arraigned the suspects in court.
He also directed the closure of shops and stores involved in the sale of counterfeit pesticides until the end of the case as he called on farmers and the rest of the ‘Wananchi’ to be careful and ensure thy purchase genuine.
Area Regional Police Commander Mark Njera said initial investigations conducted by police indicate that the suspects had cheated the farmers and other customers that the authorities concerned had allowed them (The suspects) to sell the products (Counterfeit pesticides).
“They suspects deceived the farmers by showing them forced documents from the authorities responsible for the distribution of pesticides,” he said.
