Bangkok: Central Investigation Bureau-Livestock Police have initiated an operation targeting illegal pig activities, resulting in the discovery of 1,800 kilograms of pig carcasses of unknown origin.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was spearheaded by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECD) under the leadership of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, Commissioner-General of the CIB. The team included key officials such as Pol. Maj. Gen. Watcharin Phusit, Commander of the NRECD, and Pol. Col. Arun Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of the NRECD, among others.
The operation led to the arrest of Mr. Thanapon, aged 41, who was charged with violating Section 22 of the Epidemic Act by transporting animals or carcasses into designated zones without proper authorization. The arrest took place at an undisclosed pig slaughterhouse located in Bang Sue District and Subdistrict, Bangkok. This area has been identified as a surveillance zone for African swine fever. The legal repercussions for this offense include a potential imprisonment of up to two years or a fine not exceeding 40,000 baht, or both.
Police Sub-Division 1, along with the Environmental Crime Suppression Division and Cyber Livestock Inspectors, responded to reports concerning the unnamed slaughterhouse. The establishment was accused of unsanctioned pork meat transportation and operations that posed health risks due to unsanitary conditions. The foul odor from the operation was reported to be a source of air pollution and disease transmission, affecting residents in the vicinity.
Further investigation by the authorities and the Department of Livestock Development revealed 7,500 kilograms of pig carcasses at the facility, with 5,700 kilograms properly documented. However, the remaining 1,800 kilograms lacked documentation, raising concerns about their origin. Consequently, the authorities seized the undocumented carcasses and collected samples for disease testing. Mr. Thanapon was taken into custody for further legal proceedings by the Investigation Officer, Sub-Division 1, Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division.
The primary aim of this operation is consumer safety, as meat from unknown sources poses significant health risks due to potential contamination with pathogens and harmful substances like hormones and antibiotics. The Department of Livestock Development has announced plans to destroy the confiscated carcasses through legal means such as burial or incineration.