At the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu in Samtse, local leaders raised concerns over illegal meat imports. They said it is concerning because the practice could undermine public health, trigger livestock disease outbreaks, and hurt the business of local meat shops.
Integrated check posts are transforming the travel experience making it faster, smoother and more efficient than ever before. But despite these improvements, concerns remain. Illegal meat imports are suspected to be passing through check points.
The concern has now reached the highest decision-making body in the district. This is Samtse. Besides stringent regulations, local leaders say the use of various methods to smuggle in the items leads to continuous illegal meat imports. They claim the meat is also smuggled in vehicles that do not require frisking at the checkpoints.
Kumar Pradhan, Thromde Thuemi of Samtse said, “We are concerned about the health of our people, and we’re also worried that it could lead to livestock disease outbreaks. So, we need to investigate where the meat is being smuggled in from. If it entered through the ICP, how did it get through? Smugglers are using various methods to conceal the meat, so we must also explore different strategies to stop them.”
Officials from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority also said they are facing challenges at the checkpoints.
Tashi Lhendup, the officer in-charge of BFDA, Samtse said, “For instance, we are not allowed to inspect certain government vehicles, including police and army vehicles. We’ve also deployed informers, but even they have not been able to gather much information. However, in cases where we do catch offenders, we take action in accordance with the rules and regulations. We fine the individuals and dispose of the meat in a biological pit.”
The authority says with limited manpower, gewog livestock officers must also play a bigger role in local monitoring.
Local leaders also called for stricter standards for local meat vendors, including the use of freezer-equipped vehicles for transportation. Meanwhile, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu resolved to write to relevant offices, calling for immediate and stringent action against illegal meat imports.
Samtse is one of the top meat-producing districts. It is important to protect its people, its animals and its local economy before a public health risk turns into a national crisis.
Kinley Dem, Samtse
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
