Sana'a: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in collaboration with security authorities, has seized over 15 tons of banned and smuggled pesticides from a warehouse in the Al-Huthaili area of the Capital Secretariat.

According to Yemen News Agency, Plant Protection Director Eng. Ahmed Al-Kawl reported that the confiscated pesticides amounted to more than 15,000 liters and contained banned active ingredients such as methomyl, bifenthrin, triazophos, profenofos, and methidathion, along with restricted-use substances like mancozeb and ethion. These chemicals were marketed under misleading trade names covering over 60 products.

The seized pesticides have been secured, and the case is now with the prosecution for legal action against those involved. Al-Kawl emphasized that the General Directorate of Plant Protection is actively coordinating with security agencies to enhance oversight of pesticide trade and combat smuggling to protect the agricultural sector and mitigate the risks associated with banned substances.

He further highlighted the serious threat posed by the attempted introduction of such a large quantity of prohibited pesticides, which can harm the environment and public health due to their detrimental effects on humans, plants, soil, air, and other living organisms, as well as their negative impact on ecosystems.

Al-Kawl urged traders of pesticides and agricultural inputs to adhere to regulations governing pesticide distribution and to avoid engaging in smuggling or marketing banned substances to prevent legal repercussions.