Thai police arrest supplier in banned growth-promoter case involving 967 cattle
Thai investigators traced over 80 million baht in transactions and impounded evidence worth 32.37 million baht in a banned cattle-feed drug case.
- Thai agriculture official Sorawut Nuengjamnong said a joint police and livestock investigation lasting more than eight months had led to the arrest of a suspected supplier of banned lean-meat enhancers.
- Sorawut said investigators had linked 967 cattle to alleged offences and impounded evidence valued at 32,366,240 baht.
- Sorawut said investigators were tracing distribution routes and others potentially behind the alleged network after identifying more than 80 million baht in financial transactions.
Thailand’s Consumer Protection Police Division and Department of Livestock Development have arrested a suspected supplier of banned lean-meat enhancers in an investigation linked to 967 cattle. The joint operation has run for more than eight months, according to Sorawut Nuengjamnong, secretary to the agriculture and cooperatives minister.
Sorawut, who also commands the Phra Phirun Joint Operations Centre for Agricultural and Food Security, said authorities had impounded evidence valued at 32,366,240 baht.
Investigators trace more than 80 million baht
Sorawut said investigators had arrested a supplier allegedly operating at the source of the distribution chain. Financial inquiries identified more than 80 million baht in transactions linked to the alleged network.
According to Sorawut, checks found banned lean-meat enhancers in beef and animal feed, as well as their use at cattle farms. Investigators subsequently expanded their inquiries to markets.
Sorawut said the operation had prevented cattle and beef linked to the investigation from entering the public food chain, putting the total quantity at more than 125 tonnes.
Sorawut said investigators were pursuing others involved, examining distribution routes and tracing connections that could lead to those directing the alleged offences. Authorities would pursue legal action to the fullest extent, he said.
Livestock and police agencies target the supply chain
The Department of Livestock Development, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, worked with the Consumer Protection Police Division under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chaowanasai, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. The operation covered the production and distribution chain from source to market.
Sorawut said Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit had instructed the Phra Phirun centre to coordinate agencies in stepping up action against illegal agricultural goods. Banned lean-meat enhancers were a particular priority because of the potential consequences for consumer safety and the wider beef cattle market.
Livestock chief warns of drug residues in meat
Department of Livestock Development director-general Somchuan Ratanamungklanon said beta-agonists such as salbutamol, used to promote lean-meat production, were dangerous drugs strictly prohibited from being mixed into animal feed. Residues could remain in meat and pose health risks to consumers, he warned.
Somchuan identified five groups as particularly vulnerable: people with heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, pregnant women and children. Exposure to residues could cause an irregular heartbeat, trembling hands, nausea, vomiting or dizziness, with severe cases potentially becoming life-threatening, he said.
The Department of Livestock Development reiterated its prohibition on mixing lean-meat enhancers or other banned chemicals into animal feed. Offenders could face criminal prosecution and penalties including imprisonment and fines, the department said.
The department also advised consumers to buy meat from reliable outlets and look for the “Livestock OK” certification mark for greater assurance over safety and meat standards.
