One arrest made as illegal bushmeat seized
© FSA An operation by the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has led to the seizure of illegal frozen bushmeat and the arrest of one man in south London.
On Friday 5 December, NFCU officers, working alongside the Metropolitan Police, attended a location in Deptford where they seized 38kg of frozen bushmeat, including pangolins, cane rats and porcupines.
A 57-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has since been released under investigation.
See also: Calls for action over illegal bushmeat smuggling in UK
Bushmeat refers to wild animal meat, often sourced from tropical regions, which is illegal to import into the UK.
Authorities say the operation targeted the illicit trade in illegally imported meat, which poses significant risks to public health because it bypasses UK safety and hygiene controls.
Such products may carry diseases and contaminants capable of harming consumers.
Some of the species involved are also protected: pangolins are critically endangered, and all commercial trade in them is banned under international law.
Enquiries into the case are ongoing.
Simon Ashwin, senior Investigator at the NFCU, said: “The FSA advises consumers not to buy or eat illegally imported meat, including bushmeat, as it may pose serious health risks.
“If you have concerns about products being sold, contact your local authority.
“We remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public.”