CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Police authorities uncovered an illegal fertilizer manufacturing plant in Nueva Ecija on July 15 leading to the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of bags of the illicit products and machineries used in the operation.
In Barangay San Ricardo, Talavera town, operatives of the Talavera Municipal Police Station and representatives from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) first arrested three suspects involved in the sale of counterfeit fertilizer products and seized 260 bags of counterfeit fertilizers bearing various brand names with an estimated value of approximately P258,000.
Information obtained from the Talavera operation led authorities to an unregistered fertilizer manufacturing warehouse in Sitio Balasing, Barangay Sta. Monica, Rizal.
In a follow-up operation, personnel of Rizal MPS, Talavera MPS, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Nueva Ecija, Regional Special Operations Group-3, Nueva Ecija police intelligence unit, and the FPA found approximately 500 bags of illegally manufactured fertilizers and 21 granulator machines allegedly used in the production of counterfeit fertilizer products. The owner was reportedly unable to present the necessary permits and registration documents required by the FPA resulting to his arrest.
The confiscated fertilizers, machinery, and delivery trucks, with an estimated value of approximately P900,000 were turned over to the FPA for proper documentation and disposition.
“This operation reflects our continuing commitment to protect our farmers from counterfeit and substandard agricultural products that threaten their livelihood and productivity,” said Police Regional Office 3 director BGen. Jess B. Mendez. “Through close coordination with our partner agencies and stakeholders, we will continue to pursue individuals and groups engaged in illegal manufacturing and distribution activities that undermine legitimate businesses and exploit our farming communities.” Punto News Team/PRO-3
