Thailand’s Livestock Development Department buried about 110 tonnes of illegal beef today (Monday), which had been smuggled into the country, mostly from India. The destruction of the meat took place at an animal quarantine centre in Phetchaburi province.

The smuggled beef was part of a total of 354 tonnes, worth more than 53 million baht, which were seized by livestock and customs officials last year. The balance has already been destroyed.

Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, who presided over the event, said that smuggled beef poses a threat to local livestock, because it may carry diseases, adding that he hasinstructed the Livestock Development Department and relevant agencies to tighten up controls on smuggling activities and to deal harshly with the perpetrators.

The minister also appealed to consumers to avoid buying smuggled meat, even though it is cheaper, and to eat only quality local meat for their own safety.

More than a dozen trucks were used to transport the beef to the burial site. It was buried and sprayed with contaminants,in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Healthstandards.

Landfill is the most cost effective way to get rid of smuggled meat and prevent the spread of animal diseases, according to the Livestock Development Department.