A significant operation conducted by Brazil's Federal Revenue, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Mineiro Institute of Agriculture resulted in the seizure of around 21 tons of falsified and smuggled pesticides in Uberaba, part of the Triângulo Mineiro region. The operation, which took place on Monday, February 9, targeted three agricultural supply businesses that were found to be storing and selling these toxic products without adhering to legal regulations.

The Federal Revenue Authority reported that a variety of pesticides, fertilizers, and insecticides were being sold illegally, posing serious risks to public health and the environment. The presence of these counterfeit agricultural chemicals not only jeopardizes safety but could also disrupt the agricultural market by undermining legitimate businesses. During the operation, a responsible individual from one of the establishments was taken to the Federal Police for questioning and was subsequently released without arrest.

The seized pesticides are to be held by the appropriate authorities, and following the completion of legal procedures, the products will either be destroyed or allocated to public institutions that can manage the disposal in an environmentally safe manner. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges of combating the illegal trade of agricultural chemicals in Brazil and the importance of regulatory compliance to protect health and safety.