25 September 2013

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) compliance officers have carried out a significant operation in South Auckland for offences against the Animal Product Act and the Fisheries Act.

MPI has grounds to believe a business and an individual have been involved in the illegal slaughter, processing and sale of animals, and the purchase and sale of black market fish, says MPI Northern Investigations Manager David Blake.

After receiving information from the public and after months of enquires, MPI compliance officers, assisted by the New Zealand Police, last week executed search warrants at a number of residential properties and searched commercial premises.

“We have evidence of live pigs being offered for sale and then killed on the premises,” says Mr Blake.

“The sale of animal products for human or animal consumption is subject to strict rules to ensure the resulting meat product is fit for purpose and safe for consumption,” he says.

MPI investigators also established there was reasonable grounds to believe the suspects had committed offences under the Fisheries Act relating to the illegal purchase and sale of fish outside of New Zealand’s quota management system.

“If guilty, these individuals are not only risking the sustainability of our valuable fish stocks but they are stealing from their communities and future generations,” says Mr Blake.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the community in reporting those who break the rules. Public information is of critical importance. If you see people acting suspiciously, whether it’s on the water, on the farm, at the pub or social media – we want to know about it."

MPI asks the public to report any suspicious activity by phoning 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are kept strictly confidential.

ENDS

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