4,300 tonnes of smuggled pork to be buried

Officials from agriculture describe the safe removal procedures at the Sa Kaeo garbage.

4,300 tonnes of smuggled pork to be buried
In Samut Sakhon province’s cool storage facility in June, 10 kilos of smuggled frozen meat were inspected by a stock official. ( Facebook image: Department of Livestock Development )

Officials have been instructed by Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow to dump 4,300 tonnes of illegal meat in a Sa Kaeo landfill.

In July, the Department of the Special Investigation ( DSI ) seized the carcasses at Laem Chabang port as part of its investigation. He claimed that the 161 vessels that made up the shipping were for more than 500 million baht.

In order to stop animal epidemics, market manipulation, and protect consumers, he added, the ministry places a high priority on the prevention and suppression of illegal agricultural goods imports — especially smuggled pork.

The bones may be buried in a waste at the Sa Kaeo Animal Nutrition Research and Development Centre under the supervision of the Department of Livestock Development.

According to Dr. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director-general of the Department of Livestock Development, representatives from the Royal Thai Police, DSI, Swine Raisers Association of Thailand, and the Customs Department may participate.

It will take five weeks to finish the process. According to Dr. Somchuan, the smuggled pork may be buried in six sizable pits lined with polypropylene to avoid decomposition and environmental damage.

To relieve chemicals from breakdown, pipes are installed in the mines. The World Organization for Animal Health has established a common procedure for the consuming process.

According to Dr. Somchuan, a major issue about smuggled pork is that it may contain the dangerous and deadly American pig fever.

Without taking into account the DSI arrest, 238 cases totaling 1, 142 tonnes of smuggled meat valued at 190 million baht were seized in Thailand between October 1 and August 31 of last year. 1, 049 kilograms have been eliminated so much.

In June, a cool backup facility in Samut Sakhon seized more than 10 kilograms of frozen meat that had been smuggled. ( Facebook image: Department of Livestock Development )