"Deputy Minister Chaiya" revealed that the Livestock Department raided three cold storage facilities suspected of illegally importing 73 tons of beef and buffalo meat originating from India. Send the police to prosecute accordingly. Animal Epidemics Act Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development instructs special teams and livestock units Tight control along the border
Mr. Chaiya Promma, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed that today (October 10, 2023) the Department of Livestock Development sent a special team of officials to inspect places suspected of hiding frozen beef and buffalo meat smuggled into the Kingdom 3. of places as follows:
A cold storage room in Khlong Luang District Pathum Thani Province Inspection found 47,000 kilograms of frozen buffalo meat products from foreign countries, which is considered an offense under the Act. Animal Epidemic 2015 or other related offenses
A company in Wang Noi District Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province Inspection found 26,000 kilograms of frozen beef products that may be considered an offense under the Animal Epidemics Act 2015 or other related offenses.
Another one that was inspected Located in Chaloem Phra Kiat District Saraburi Province No offense found
As for the cattle and buffalo meat products seized, the total weight was 73,000 kilograms. The damage value is approximately 15 million baht.
Dr. Somchuan Veterinarian Rattanamangkhalanon Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development said The Special Operations Team of the Department of Livestock Development is carrying out inspections of places suspected of hiding illegal cattle and buffalo meat, consisting of Special Operations Team officers, Phayathai. Chonburi Animal Quarantine Officer Lat Krabang Animal Quarantine Station and the animal quarantine station at Suvarnabhumi Airport Together with police officers from the Consumer Protection Crime Suppression Division (CSA).
For the illegal cattle and buffalo meat that was found. Originating from India, officials The said products have been seized. Then inform the relevant person to present the documents within 15 days. If unable to present There will be an offense according to the Animal Epidemics Act 2015 as follows:
Section 24 for the purpose of preventing and controlling epidemics arising from the trade in animals or animal carcasses. Anyone who trades or makes a profit as a middleman in animals or animal carcasses Must be punished with imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht, or both.
Section 31 For the purpose of preventing and controlling epidemics, any person who imports, exports, or transits animals or animal carcasses A license must be obtained from the Director-General or a person assigned by the Director-General every time it is imported. Exporting or importing through the Kingdom is punishable according to Section 68: imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht, or both.
Section 34 Subject to Section 18 and Section 22 for the purpose of preventing and controlling epidemics, must be punished with imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht, or both.
This is to suppress illegal importation of livestock products. It is an important policy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The Department of Livestock Development has acted in accordance with the order of the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives to cooperate with relevant agencies to strictly inspect product storage locations (cold storage) and import routes, especially in border areas. To prevent the spread of animal diseases Protect farmers and small entrepreneurs within the country Not to be affected by unfair interference in market mechanisms. as well as protecting consumers If any wrongdoing is found Let strict legal action be taken.
Source: Thai News Agency