Meaty problem: Carcasses from Makkah being smuggled to cities

(MENAFN- Arab News) The illegal smuggling of sacrificial meat from Makkah to other cities is reportedly in full swing after the first day of Eid Al-Adha. Expatriates sell the meat to stores for profits defeating the giving spirit of the Haj season.

The price of meat continues to fluctuate in local markets in Makkah Taif and Jeddah thanks to the common belief that restaurants and catering companies buy smuggled meat at low costs.

Jeddah is considered the main destination of meat-smuggling rackets. Local residents are weary of purchasing and consuming meat for fear of being sold expired produce.

Authorities have set up special checkpoints at entrances leading from Makkah into the city.

'Not only have we intensified random checks on meat but we will also increase penalties' said Naser Jarallah director of slaughterhouses and head of marketing at Jeddah Municipality.

'We used to impose a fine of SR5000 and register a case against the vehicle but from this year we will fine drivers SR2000 per carcass found in the vehicle which will be impounded and referred to court.'

The municipality seized several vehicles and 135 carcasses en route to Jeddah from Makkah on Saturday according to a municipality statement.

The municipality's field teams in Breman thwarted attempts to smuggle 67 sacrificial animals deemed unfit for human consumption and booked 12 vehicles used for transporting them.

The branch in Tiba also seized 40 sacrificed animals at Asfan checkpoint. On Saturday night the municipality called on security personnel in Aljamia after security teams seized 27 carcasses and rotten meat supplies. Inspection teams were immediately dispatched to the site and they seized the vehicle carrying the rotten meat a municipality statement said.

The municipality called on all citizens and residences to ensure that animals are slaughtered at licensed abattoirs. 'Violators will be subject to penalties.'