Thai police seize over 5 tonnes of pork intestines in smuggling probe
The THB504,000 consignment was stored in unhygienic conditions, with preliminary checks indicating it had been imported from China.
- Thai police seized over 5 tonnes (5,040 kg) of salted pork intestines from a warehouse in Bangkok during a smuggling investigation.
- The goods, valued at THB 504,000, were reportedly imported from China and stored in unhygienic conditions for distribution to local restaurants.
- The seizure was for suspected offenses of importing and moving animal products without a permit, which can result in prison time and fines.
- Authorities are expanding their investigation to prosecute the owners of the goods and the warehouse operator for potential customs violations.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through its Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), joined the Department of Livestock Development’s Division of Veterinary Inspection and Quarantine in searching Warehouse A on Bang Khun Thian-Chai Thale Road in Samae Dam, Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district.
Officers acted under a court-issued search warrant following a tip-off about suspected smuggling and the storage of animal products without permission.
The search uncovered 36 blue barrels containing salted pork intestines, with 140kg in each barrel and a combined weight of 5,040kg.
The barrels were stored at the front of the warehouse in unhygienic conditions that could pose health and safety risks to consumers.
Preliminary checks indicated that the products had been imported from China and that the warehouse served as a holding and distribution point for deliveries to restaurants through a foreign transport company’s online ordering system.
The seized goods were valued at THB504,000.
The suspected offences include importing animal products without permission and moving them between provinces without a permit.
Under the animal disease law, these can carry penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to THB200,000, or both.
Officials are also investigating possible breaches of customs rules involving helping to hide or sell goods, or receiving goods, linked to customs offences.
Officials seized the entire consignment to hand over to investigators from Subdivision 2 of the CPPD.
Those holding the goods have been given an opportunity to provide documents showing that the goods are legal.
If they cannot do so, the authorities will take firm legal action.
Investigators are expanding their inquiries to arrest and prosecute whoever owns the goods, whoever operates the warehouse and anyone else involved.
