Cops seize ‘hot’ lechon in Sta. Cruz

Members of a family were arrested by the police while allegedly transporting several kilos of chopped pieces of roasted pork (lechon baboy) suspected as “hot meat,” to its intended buyers in Sta. Cruz, Manila yesterday morning.

Also seized were a large container of foul-smelling pig offal or internal organs, according to a police investigator.

Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula said the operation against the suspected “hot meat” was launched by the police following reports of rampant sale of pork meat and organs without proper permit from the city’s meat inspection office.

“We conducted surveillance in the Blumentritt market after we were informed that some of the meat being sold there did not pass the veterinary inspection,” Sapitula said.

At around 4 a.m. the police spotted a delivery van unloading roasted pork meat.

Rosa Cadusale, the owner of the delivery van, failed to produce the required documents upon inspection.

During inquiry, Cadusale claimed the kilos of chopped roasted pork (lechon baboy) were part of the 14 lechons she bought in Barangay Bunsuran in Pandi, Bulacan.

Cadusale admitted, however, that the meat did not pass veterinary inspection, Sapitula said.

Police also arrested the helpers identified as Babylyn, 25; Michael, 23; and Pedro, 35; all surnamed Cadusale. Rosa’s husband Manuel, who acted as the driver, managed to escape.

“In view of lack of proper permit, these (pieces of) meat are deemed hot meat and may not be fit for human consumption,” Sapitula said.  – Nestor Etolle