Illegal meat smugglers may have vans 'minced'

CRIMINAL gangs smuggling unhealthy or diseased meat into Britain could have their vans put through the mincer.

- By David Williamson

Cars, trucks and even coaches importing illegal meat might be seized and crushed in the latest efforts to keep African swine fever, and foot and mouth disease, from spreading in the UK. Environment Secretary Steve Reed is considering such radical measures to protect farming, food security and the safety of the public.

More than 92,000kg of meat products brought into country by crime gangs were seized at British ports last year.

The plans to crush vehicles are intended to put the gangs' essential "infrastructure" out of action.