More than 68 tonnes of illegally imported dog and cat food worth over 30 million baht was seized from warehouses in Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon following a joint crackdown on an alleged smuggling network linked to online sales.
The raids were launched after the Phra Phirun Agricultural and Food Security Command Centre received complaints that illegally imported pet food was being stored at warehouses in the two provinces and marketed through online channels.
Livestock and customs investigators, together with officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division, searched two major storage and distribution facilities in Krathum Baen district of Samut Sakhon and Muang district of Samut Prakan, where they found large quantities of Mr. Vet and Bite of Wild pet food labelled as products from China.
The illegal products found at the two warehouses were tied to the same network. They had been imported without permission and were not registered with the Department of Livestock Development, the centre’s director, Sorawut Nuangjamnon, said on Thursday.
Officials seized 118 items weighing a combined 68,680 kilogrammes, estimated to be worth more than 30 million baht.
The haul included 67 items weighing 17,651kg and valued at more than 7 million baht in Samut Sakhon, and 51 items weighing 51,028kg worth over 23 million baht in Samut Prakan.
Samples were sent for laboratory testing to determine whether the products pose any safety risks.
Mr Sorawut said the findings could constitute violations of the Animal Feed Quality Control Act and the Customs Act.
Investigators have resolved to identify all those involved in the illegal imports and sales.
According to a police source, the products had been sold online to pet owners nationwide. Authorities have also launched investigation into reports that the two warehouses may be linked to Chinese investors.
