365telugu.com online news,Vijayawada, 29 November 2025: In a major action against the illegal use of pesticides in household products, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Department officials have seized “Sleep Well” brand incense sticks worth ₹69.24 lakh after tests confirmed the presence of unregistered and potentially harmful insecticide Meperfluthrin.
A surprise raid was conducted at a godown-cum-shop belonging to Sri Gollapudi Radha Krishna Murthy in Vijayawada following specific directions from the Ex-Officio Special Chief Secretary, Agriculture Department. The seized stock was manufactured by Sai Hanuman Agencies, Vijayawada and M/s Ashikas Company, Gunadala, Bengaluru.
Samples sent to the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad revealed that the incense sticks contained Meperfluthrin, a chemical not registered for such use in India and known to pose serious respiratory health risks when inhaled over prolonged periods.
Jointly led by NTR District Agriculture Officer, Archaka, and the Assistant Director (Business Support), the raid exposed large-scale distribution of the misbranded product marketed as a “mosquito repellent incense stick”.
The Director of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh, has issued statewide instructions to immediately inspect all retail and wholesale outlets and seize any remaining stock of “Sleep Well” incense sticks. Strict legal action will be initiated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971.
Public Advisory: Consumers are urged to immediately stop using “Sleep Well” incense sticks and report any stock to the nearest Agriculture Department office. Prolonged exposure to Meperfluthrin through inhalation can cause respiratory irritation and other serious health complications.
Authorities have warned manufacturers, distributors and retailers across the state that sale or storage of such unregistered pesticide-laced products will attract heavy penalties and prosecution.
More raids are expected in the coming days as the crackdown intensifies.