Billion-euro counterfeit pesticide trade puts lives in danger

THE trade in counterfeit pesticides is booming and is expected to reach an all-time high worth billions of euro over the coming weeks as farmers prepare to plant crops, Europol has warned.

The illegal and often toxic substances account for up to 25% of the products on the market in some countries.

Used to kill or control insects, plants and animals that threaten crop production, the legal product must be tested to prove they are safe.