The Department of Special Investigation discovered 5 locations that have been producing dangerous chemicals including Paraquat a toxic herbicide and Glyphosate a popular herbicide. The problem is not the chemicals, but manufacturers have been mixing them into Organic Fertilizers without informing the buyers. The fertilizers are not registered nor permitted for production by any governing authorities.
The first company is the Smart Biotech Corporation with 2 manufacturing sites in Nonthaburi Province. The company produces herbicide products under the brand “SmartBio” and other agriculture-related products under the brands “Top Clear” and “Smart Bio Aqua”. The second company is the VIP Kingdom 999 a producer of agricultural products under the brand “Super Light” and “Organic Kill”. The company has 3 manufacturing sites with 2 in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and 1 in Pathumthani Province.
Both companies have been using Paraquat and Glyphosate which are controlled substances in their products without permission. They have been selling their products through online outlets with advertisements. The claims made towards customers include stating that the products are organic, safe, and non-toxic. People have been buying their products with beliefs that they are using organic products. According to the Hazard Substances Act B.E. 2535 (1992) production or possession of such controlled chemicals without permission shall be punished with no more than 2 years imprisonment, or a fine not exceeding 200,000 THB or both.
Investigation reveals that there are damages of at least 10 million THB with over 1,000 victims affected by the use of such chemicals. Both companies might also be charged with other charges because the fertilizers have not been registered or permitted to enter into the production process. Officials discovered a large pile of evidence such as the products that claim to be organic and documents after searching the 5 locations. Factory equipment has also been seized for further investigation in the case.
FB Caption: The problem is not the chemicals, but manufacturers have been mixing them into Organic Fertilizers without informing the buyers.
Source: INN News
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