Quang Tri authorities dismantle trafficking ring involved in 250 tons of African Swine Fever-infected pork
Authorities in Quang Tri province have prosecuted 6 individuals involved in a ring transporting and distributing hundreds of tons of African Swine Fever-infected pigs from northern provinces.
The Investigation Police Agency of Quang Tri Provincial Police has officially prosecuted a case and charged 6 individuals for serious violations of food safety regulations. This group is alleged to have operated an illicit, inter-provincial ring specialized in transporting disease-infected pigs on a massive scale.
The defendants include: Mai Van Quang (53) and Ha Van Nghia (48), both from Thanh Hoa province; and Quang Tri-based subjects Tran Thi Ngoc Hien (62), Hoang Thi Mong Truyen (54), Truong Van Quoc (53), and Tran Ngoc Bac (55). Mai Van Quang is identified as the ringleader coordinating the shipments, while Hien and Truyen acted as slaughterhouse owners facilitating local distribution.
Previously, the Economic Police Division of Quang Tri Police identified suspicious activities regarding the trade and slaughter of livestock. On May 19, authorities, in coordination with traffic police and Veterinary Station No. 7, apprehended the subjects while they were transferring a large number of pigs from a specialized truck (license plate 89A-874.xx) to smaller trucks near the old Dong Ha city cemetery and Quan Ngang Industrial Park.
During the inspection, the subjects failed to provide valid invoices, documents, or animal quarantine certificates. Authorities discovered 172 pigs on the vehicle (total weight nearly 10 tons), including two deceased animals. Laboratory test results confirmed that 18 of the pigs tested positive for the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.
Expanded investigations revealed that between February and May, the group transported over 250 tons of infected pigs from northern provinces such as Hung Yen and Bac Ninh to Quang Tri. The pigs were purchased at low prices due to their infected status, then slaughtered and distributed for profit. Currently, defendants Quang, Hien, and Truyen have been detained for further investigation.