2-2-2024 (BANGKOK) In a pre-dawn operation on Friday morning, authorities in Thap Sakae district of Prachuap Khiri Khan intercepted two trucks and confiscated a staggering 24 tonnes of frozen buffalo meat. The bust led to the arrest of two drivers involved in the illicit transportation.
A joint task force comprising soldiers, police officers, livestock officials, and local authorities carried out the operation at the Huai Yang security checkpoint in Thap Sakae district, commencing at 5 am.
During the search, officials uncovered 17,000 kilograms of frozen buffalo meat packed in cardboard boxes within a 12-wheel truck bearing Phetchaburi license plates. Another 7,000 kilograms were discovered in a six-wheel truck with Ratchaburi plates.
The detained drivers, identified as Chanon, 27, from Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nadol, 63, from Bangkok, claimed they transported the meat from Muang district in Nakhon Si Thammarat with the intent to deliver it to Muang district in Samut Sakhon. However, they failed to provide official documentation pertaining to the transfer of animal carcasses upon request.
Following their inability to produce the required documents, both individuals were apprehended, and the frozen buffalo meat was seized.
Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, the director-general of the Department of Livestock Development, revealed that the confiscated meat originated from India.
The two drivers have been charged with the unauthorized transfer and smuggling of animal carcasses, contravening the Animal Epidemic Act, according to Ratanamungklanon.
The Department of Livestock Development emphasized its commitment to collaborating with relevant agencies to conduct thorough inspections of vehicles, aiming to curb the smuggling of live animals and carcasses.
