Authorities confiscated nearly P4 million worth of unregistered pesticides and fertilizers in a crackdown on agricultural smuggling, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) said Sunday.

This comes as the FPA — in coordination with the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) — conducted the enforcement operation following a complaint against WLEX Company.

The firm allegedly used a commercial facility as an unauthorized storage and distribution point for counterfeit and repackaged farm inputs.

Seized items included hundreds of liters of banned pesticides — Axonic, Sapphire and Chlonil — as well as unregistered fertilizers like Welzeb and large quantities of the bio-stimulant Nutrinaro SC in various packaging.

Authorities also found 220 pieces and 800 packs of Norinano Plus, a legally registered product and three containers of unidentified chemicals.

“These products are not only unregistered; they are being misrepresented as imported goods when, in fact, they are repackaged locally,” the FPA said in a statement. “This is a clear attempt to deceive unsuspecting farmers and agri-retailers.”

Meantime, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. lauded the operation, saying it demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting farmers from unfair trade practices.

“This action clearly shows how serious we are in following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect Filipino farmers and legitimate businesses from unfair and illegal trade practices,” Laurel said.

The FPA clarified that WLEX’s license to handle pesticide products has expired. Its permit as a fertilizer importer and distributor expired on 7 December 2024, and only one of its products, Norinano Plus Soil Conditioner, remains legally registered until 4 February 2027.

FPA executive director Glenn Estrada stressed the agency’s ongoing vigilance in enforcing regulations.

“We are determined to stop the spread of fake, adulterated, and unregistered agricultural products. These not only hurt legitimate companies but directly impact our farmers’ productivity and income,” Estrada said.

All confiscated products have been turned over to the Department of Agriculture for inventory and legal documentation. Authorities said appropriate charges will be filed, and investigations are continuing.