A woman arrested earlier this week at Kanengo, Lilongwe, on suspicion of possessing counterfeit maize seeds, has been granted police bail. The suspect, identified by sources as Annie Phiri, a private business owner, was released on bail on Tuesday.

Phiri was taken into custody on Monday after police discovered she was allegedly in possession of over 700 packets of fake maize seeds branded with SeedCo labels.

Authorities have expressed concern that some of the counterfeit seeds may have already been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Gresham Ngwira, spokesperson for the Kanengo Police, declined to share further details about the suspect or the nature of the alleged offense, stating that a formal statement would be issued at an appropriate time.