Smuggled meat products seized

MANILA, Philippines — At least two tons of smuggled meat products were confiscated by authorities during a follow-up operation in Tondo, Manila yesterday.

The operation was conducted after two men were arrested for dumping hundreds of kilos of rotten and expired processed meat such as dim sum and cold cuts along M. Lopez Boulevard in Smokey Mountain, Barangay 128 on Sunday.

Members of the Smokey Mountain police community precinct nabbed Jonathan Mendenilla, 30, driver of Tristar Frozen Products, and his helper John Robert Pita, 21, for dumping waste in the area.

Police officers said they were surprised to discover that the items being disposed were processed meat.

During questioning, Mendenilla and Pita said they were employees of Cai Chang Jian, a Chinese allegedly responsible for smuggling the banned products to the country.

At around 5 a.m. yesterday, representatives of the Veterinary Meat Inspection Board and operatives of the Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team, MPD Station 1 and District Investigation Division raided a warehouse on Juan Luna street in Tondo where imported meat products were seized.

A police official said the meat products were supposed to be delivered to Chinese restaurants and other establishments in Metro Manila.

Authorities said the meat products pose danger to consumers’ health and prohibited by law.

Cai Chang is being held by police on charges of violating Republic Act 10536 or the Meat Inspection Code and RA 10611 or the Philippine Food Safety Regulatory Law.