Officials Seize Over 12 Tons Of Smuggled Beef In Samut Sakhon
Authorities seized over 12.6 tonnes of smuggled frozen beef from four trucks in Samut Sakhon province, with drivers unable to produce proper documentation or animal movement permits.
The Agricultural and Food Security Center (AFSC) has partnered with the Department of Livestock to intercept more than 12.6 tonnes of frozen beef suspected of being smuggled into Thailand in Samut Sakhon province, announcing continued crackdowns on illegally imported livestock products.
Sarawut Nueangchamnongk, commander of the AFSC, revealed that integrated operations with the Department of Livestock's veterinary inspection and quarantine units successfully seized four suspicious trucks carrying frozen beef weighing over 12,600 kilograms in Samut Sakhon. The beef is suspected to have been smuggled from abroad. Officials arrested those responsible and proceeded with legal action, emphasizing their commitment to protecting Thai farmers and ensuring food safety for consumers.
Because the drivers could not produce documentation of origin or animal movement permits, officials confiscated all the animals and vehicles involved and referred the case for criminal investigation. The alleged violations fall under the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558, specifically Article 22 (moving animals or animal remains into, out of, through, or within disease control zones without authorization) and Article 31 (importing, exporting, or transporting animals or animal remains without permission).
Sarawut stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and Department of Livestock will enforce laws strictly and continuously to prevent illegal livestock smuggling, protect consumer food safety, and safeguard Thai farmers' interests. The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity through the DLD 4.0 mobile application, available 24 hours a day.
