Imogen Calderwood
POLICE have arrested several people suspected of trafficking illegal horsemeat.
In a joint investigation with French authorities, police are investigating the suspected introduction of horses into Spanish slaughterhouses, to make meat for human consumption.
The traffickers allegedly use forged or altered identification and health documents for the horses.
A Guardia Civil spokesperson said: “Several people have been detained and searches are under way in livestock farms, private estates, veterinary clinics and slaughterhouses around Spain,”
Several suspects were detained in France in December during a similar investigation.
The investigation follows a Europe-wide health scare in 2013, after probes revealed horsemeat was being mislabeled and sold as ready-meals containing beef.
This needs to be stopped