Two Phetchaburi animal feed shops were raided on Monday, 14 September, with officials seizing 1,328 kilograms of substances suspected of being growth promoters for cattle.
Officials described the haul as the largest seizure of its kind in central Thailand. Laboratory tests will determine whether the substances contain beta-agonists, which are used to promote lean muscle growth, before authorities pursue legal action.
The operation followed complaints that the shops in Ban Laem and Ban Lat districts were illegally selling the substances to cattle farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ Phra Phirun Centre carried out the raids alongside Provincial Police Region 7, Phetchaburi Provincial Police and the Department of Livestock Development.
Police searched both premises under warrants issued by Phetchaburi Provincial Court. Officers found 52 bags weighing approximately 1,300 kilograms at the shop in Bang Kaeo, Ban Laem, and two bags weighing 28 kilograms at the shop in Tha Chang, Ban Lat.
Both Phetchaburi animal feed businesses held valid trading licences and were major suppliers in the area, officials said.
Seized substances await laboratory testing
Officials estimated that the seized material, if mixed into animal feed, could be used to produce more than 140,000 kilograms of feed.
Authorities warned that beta-agonist residues in meat could affect consumers’ nervous systems, muscles and cardiovascular health. Reported effects include tremors, dizziness, headaches, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea and vomiting.
According to the authorities, anyone using or involved in the use of these substances could face charges under the Animal Feed Quality Control Act 2015, with penalties of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both.
The ministry said it would continue working with police and other agencies to tackle the illegal sale and use of growth promoters.