Gambia bans insecticide named Sniper after claims that it is used to smoke fish.

Gambia's Dangerous Chemicals & Pesticides Regulation and Management Board have banned the import, distribution, and sale of the pesticide known as Sniper having immediate effect.

The choice affects importation, storage, distribution, sales, and use.

The decision comes after a popular clip on Whatsapp claimed the chemical was used to smoke fish.

The chemical prevents fish from rotting and attracting insects and pests, according to the audio. The Gambia widely uses the pesticide sniper.

Gambia follows Nigeria as well as other countries in banning the import, distribution, and sale of this substance.

Recent increases in unusual illnesses must be recognized with caution. Most of these diseases are caused by odd home cuisine.

Even newborns get unusual illnesses that worry health professionals. Kidney failure is a growing problem. Our hospitals are flooded with odd ailments, such as kidney failures.

Most Gambians use the chemical because they feel it's the best way to get rid of mosquitoes, cockroaches, and bedbugs. Many now use this chemical since it always kills bugs.

If this Whatsapp audio is any indication, the Ministry and Food Quality and Safety Authority should investigate immediately. DDVP can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, swallowed, or eye-contacted.

Before it's too late, the trending audio must be verified. If true, those responsible should be arrested immediately. 

Sniper is a 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) synthetic organophosporus used outdoors in Africa and Europe. Many use it as an indoor pesticide.

Dichlorvos, an organophosphate molecule, is the active ingredient in sniper product, which is banned in much of the world owing to health and environmental risks.