The European crime intelligence agency Europol as issued a warning that organised crime groups in Europe are behind a growth in the trade of illegal and counterfeit pesticides. The agency said organised criminals have been attracted to the exceptionally ‘low risk – high profit’ margin of the market. This, combined with the lack of harmonisation in legislation and implementation, mean the trade is growing rapidly, according to Europol intelligence.

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Europol said the pesticides threaten not only the health of farmers and consumers, but pose a serious risk to the natural environment. The illegal pesticides can also be used as precursors for home-made explosives due to their lack of traceability. The agency has called for an EU study to be conducted into the traceability of pesticides and their chemical components.

In a statement issued on Friday, a Europol spokesperson said, “The trade in illegal and counterfeit pesticides is organised by highly sophisticated criminal networks. Criminals have developed complex global supply chains and exploit legal companies to camouflage their activities.”

The warnings over threats to the environment and public health posed by illegal pesticides are not unfounded; in May 2011, two multi-tonne shipments of illegal pesticides, intercepted in Eastern Europe contained substances banned in the EU for their endocrine disruptive properties. However, a Pesticide Action Network spokesperson said that, although often farmers did not know they were dealing with organised crime syndicates, in some cases, farmers knowingly bought counterfeit pesticides because they were cheaper and more powerful.

In addition to recommending a study, Europol called for the launch of cross-border investigations, using the cooperation of law enforcement agencies in different member states, especially during the ‘importing season’ (January/February) and a review of pesticide laws.

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