Illegal meat seized in massive raid

More than 30 tons of illegal meat including lamb's brains and gizzards allegedly destined for unsuspecting humans was seized in a massive raid.

The haul of goat meat, cow's feet, poultry and smoked cattle hide was uncovered in Carpenters Road, Bow, east London after seven months of surveillance.

Code-named Operation Lobster Pot, the operation involved 16 Environmental Health and Trading Standards officers from Tower Hamlets Council, supported by 50 Metropolitan Police officers.

Food safety officers tracked the gang who are believed to have bought meat destined for abattoirs and taken it to Tower Hamlets, before allegedly processing and re-packaging it for human consumption.

They swooped on the illegal rat-infested meat plant last Thursday, where counterfeit meat stamps and 60 gas cylinders stored next to flammable materials were also unearthed.

Investigating officers have also gathered evidence to suggest the gang bleached putrefied chicken pieces to give them a healthy appearance.

A court application has been made for the destruction of all the illegal meat.

The raid was just one of 23 similar operations taking place at premises throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

More than 100 local authority officers nationwide were drafted in to help carry out the seizures.

In London, halal meat outlets in Waltham Forest, Hackney, Harrow and Newham were also targeted.

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