SNIPER is a pesticides product in wide circulation in The Gambia. The active ingredient in sniper product is dichlorvos, an organophosphate compound, which is a banned product in other parts of the world due to adverse effects they posed to human health and non-target species in the environment. The product has also never been registered by the Sahel Pesticides Committee.

The high concentration formulation (1000 g/L) coupled with the misuse of SNIPER product has led to fatalities, forcing government to imposed a moratorium on its import and use in The Gambia in the recent past.

In view of the aforementioned, the Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides Control and Management Board, acting under Section 8(3) of the Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides Control and Management Act Cap 60: vol. 9 Laws of The Gambia 2009, hereby informs the general public that SNIPPER insecticides is now banned in The Gambia with immediate effect. The decision affects importation, warehousing/ stockpiling, distribution, sales and use of the product.

Consequently, all businesses are urged to adhere to the ban.