ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) has uncovered an illegal donkey meat operation in a surprise raid on a facility in Tarnol, Islamabad, on Sunday. The raid led to the seizure of over 1,000 kg of donkey meat and the discovery of more than 60 live donkeys allegedly being kept for illegal slaughter and meat supply. Authorities arrested a foreign national during the raid, and further investigations are underway to identify those behind the operation.
The operation was reportedly overseen by a Chinese national who had been active in the Tarnol area for a long time. The seized donkey meat was allegedly being supplied to local markets and even exported abroad. IFA Deputy Director Operations, Dr. Tahira Siddique, confirmed that the foreign national was taken into custody, but other individuals involved in the operation managed to escape before law enforcement arrived. The detained individual has been handed over to police for further legal action.
The authorities found a fully operational slaughterhouse and meat-processing setup at the site, which had reportedly been functioning for some time. Dr. Siddique confirmed that no export permits or licenses were found, making the operation completely illegal. The meat recovered during the raid was destroyed immediately to prevent it from entering the local food supply.
The IFA has initiated an inquiry to trace the distribution network of the meat, while also investigating any local partners or suppliers involved in the illegal activity. Dr. Siddique emphasized that selling donkey meat without the proper documentation is illegal and posed significant risks to public health and safety.
