FPA to pursue raps vs alleged smugglers

MANILA, Philippines - The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) vowed yesterday to pursue criminal charges against alleged smugglers of pesticides and other crop protection products in the country.

The FPA issued the statement after P37.8 million in smuggled pesticides were seized in a raid on the facilities of Wang Teng, also known as Tommy Wang, and Victor Feng in Pampanga on Nov. 20, 2012. The raid was conducted based on a search warrant issued by the Angeles City regional trial court.

Pesticide products sold in the country have to be licensed by the FPA to ensure that they are safe for use in the Philippines.

“Who can tell what poisons are in those bottles, can or cartons? The contraband may have compromised the safety of farmers and consumers alike had they found their way to the farms,” FPA executive director Norlito Gicana said.

“Being smuggled, they had not passed the regulatory test protocols at all,” he added.

Feng is questioning the legality of the search warrant.