Samut Sakhon: The Department of Livestock Development, in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), conducted a raid on a cold storage facility in Samut Sakhon City, unearthing over 346 tons of illegally smuggled chicken legs. The authorities are now expanding their investigation to identify those involved in the smuggling network.
According to Thai News Agency, Veterinarian Somchuan Rattanamangkhalanon, the Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, disclosed that the Phaya Thai Special Operations Unit, along with the Phetchaburi and Chonburi Animal Quarantine Checkpoints, joined forces with the CPPD to inspect the facility. The inspection followed a complaint regarding the unauthorized importation of poultry carcasses, specifically chicken legs, from abroad.
Investigations revealed some of the chicken legs originated from Brazil, where bird flu remains a concern. The search of the cold storage uncovered a significant quantity of chicken leg carcasses, packed and labeled indicating production sources from Brazil, Chile, Turkey, and Germany.
An examination of the facility's records showed a total deposit of 346,390 kilograms, or approximately 346.39 tons, of chicken leg carcasses. This constitutes a violation under the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558, Sections 22 and 31.
The Department of Livestock has seized the chicken leg carcasses and lodged a complaint against the offenders. Coordination with the Customs Department is underway to enforce the Customs Act for related offenses. Additionally, the department plans to work with the Central Investigation Bureau to broaden the investigation and uncover the smuggling operation's mastermind and network.
Samples from the confiscated chicken legs have been sent to the Department of Livestock Development's laboratory to test for harmful pathogens, particularly bird flu, ensuring animal health and consumer safety.
This operation aligns with the policy directives of Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Mr. Itthi Sirilatayakorn, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Their oversight aims to swiftly curb illegal livestock imports, protect domestic consumers, and stabilize the Thai livestock market, ensuring fairness for local farmers.
For public assistance, complaints, or reports of illegal activities in the livestock sector, individuals can use the DLD 4.0 application, available 24 hours a day.