By Adama Makasuba
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has informed that anyone found in possession of the sniper pesticide will be punished, such punishment attracts 3 years in prison or pays a conviction fine of D30,000.
The brand pesticide has now been banned across the country after FSQA laboratory tests confirmed it is used in smoked fish.
Speaking to reporters Lamin Jaiteh, registrar of pesticides and chemicals at NEA said: “As per hazardous chemical and pesticides control and management act 1994, the law says that if a person commits either any activity that is contradictory to the act is liable to a conviction to fine not exceeding D20,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years.”
“But we are actually revising the act and then the fines in the newly revised act actually someone selling as per the act or a person who commits or offends against the provision of this act which no penalty is provided will be liable to a conviction to a fine not exceeding D30,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years,” he added.
According to him, the law also says a person who knowingly gives false information and application for registration of a chemical will face 4 years of a prison term or a fine of D50,000.
“So, the act went on and say that if a person commits such activities as I mentioned (gives false information and application for registration of a chemical– manufactured, import or export or sell of unregistered pesticides or a banned chemical or pesticides) is liable to a conviction of not exceeding D50,000 or in term of imprisonment not exceeding 4 years,” he explained.
Momodou Bah, executive director of the Food Safety and Quality Authority said there are penalties for those who break the agency’s provisions and act.
“Actually, there are penalties when you break the law in terms of bringing something into the country and you may face imprisonment of fine,” he also said.