Samut Sakhon: Central Investigation Police raided a cold storage room in the middle of Samut Sakhon Province, where more than 346 tons of illegally imported chicken legs were found, risking dangerous diseases.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) by the Consumer Protection Police Division (PCD) led a force to search a cold storage room in Nadi Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, and seized 346,390 kilograms or 346.39 tons of chicken leg carcasses, valued at 24,247,300 baht. This operation stemmed from a joint effort by the Consumer Protection Police Division and the Department of Livestock Development after receiving intelligence about the illegal importation of poultry carcasses.
The investigation revealed that the frozen chicken leg carcasses, weighing over 346.39 tons, were imported from multiple countries, including Chile, Brazil, Turkey, and Germany, without the necessary import permits and disease inspections. Consequently, all chicken legs were confiscated for inspection, with charges set to be filed against those involved. If further violations are discovered during the import, transport, or distribution processes, legal action will be pursued under the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558. Violations could result in imprisonment of up to 2 years, fines up to 200,000 baht, or both.
The confiscated chicken legs are being analyzed by the Department of Livestock Development's laboratory for dangerous pathogens, particularly bird flu, to ensure consumer safety and to compile evidence for prosecuting the offenders. Authorities have highlighted the food safety and public health risks posed by smuggling animal carcasses without proper inspection. They urge the public to avoid consuming livestock products from unclear sources and to purchase certified imported meat. Any information about livestock-related wrongdoings can be reported via the DLD 4.0 application, available 24/7.