PARADIP: Police seized huge quantity of formalin dehyde which was being smuggled in an auto-rickshaw here on Monday. The chemical was being transported for processing dry fish in the locality.
Acting on a tip off, Paradip police made the seizure. Some traders were allegedly procuring the chemical to process dry fish. Since use of formalin dehyde in dry fish processing poses health hazard, the Fisheries department had clamped prohibitory orders on use of any form of the chemical.
Despite the restriction, some traders and processors have been allegedly using the chemical for the preservation of dry fish.Earlier, the department had issued notices to various dry fish manufacturing units, marine fishermen bodies, trawler operators’ associations besides fishermen cooperative societies to refrain from using the preservative. However, use of the chemical continues unabated in the region, said sources.Locals alleged that a racket is operating to supply toxic substances to local dry fish traders.
Paradip IIC Subranshu Sekhar Nayak said police seized the unclaimed formalin dehyde but the miscreants who were transporting the chemical managed to flee. Further investigation is on.