165 kilos of ‘hot’ meat seized in Bulacan

STA. MARIA, Bulacan – At least 165 kilos of “hot” meat were confiscated by police and the provincial veterinarian while two men were arrested in an operation at Barangay Sta. Cruz here yesterday.

Superintendent Ronald De Jesus, the chief of police of this town identified the arrested persons as Ariel Cruz and Bautista Fruta, both of Barangay Catmon, while transporting 165 kilos of “hot” meat.

De Jesus was assisted by Dr. Felipe Bartolome the provincial veterinarian.

He said that the “hot” meat were loaded in an owner type jeep with license plates CLP 214.

The hot meat came from Pandi town.

De Jesus said the “hot” meat were disposed by Bartolome, while charges are being prepared against the arrested persons.

It will be recalled that over 1,000 kilos of “hot” meat have been seized by local police in this town since the emergence of hog cholera and swine flu in the province last July.

Though contained, the incidence of hog cholera and swine flu have affected the local swine industry pulling farm gate prices down.

Sources said that traders were exploiting the emergence of the disease for dying or dead swine and processing its meat before selling them.

However, Bartolome said they will never allow some traders’ illegal act to destroy the whole industry in Bulacan.

He vowed to continue to conduct operations against illegal transport of “hot” meat.