Three veterinary officials arrested in Can Tho for approving diseased pork

Can Tho authorities have detained three veterinary officers accused of allowing pork infected with African swine fever to pass quarantine checks and be sold at local markets.

On November 18, the Can Tho City Police officially charged and temporarily detained three employees of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Zone XIII for “abuse of position and power while performing official duties.”

The accused include Phan Ngoc Toai (48, residing in Xa Phien commune), Le Quoc Nhien (46, residing in Vinh Vien commune), and Pham Hong Phuc (45, also residing in Vinh Vien commune). All are officers of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Zone XIII.

According to preliminary investigations, in October, the Department for Anti-Corruption, Economic Crimes, Smuggling, and Environmental Crimes under the Can Tho Police, in coordination with relevant agencies, conducted an inspection at Dang Phu Ty’s slaughterhouse in Vinh Vien commune.

At the facility, the team discovered a slaughtered pig that had been stamped with a quarantine mark and was about to be transported to Vinh Vien market for sale. The pig weighed approximately 120kg. Rapid tests and forensic assessments confirmed that the meat tested positive for African swine fever.

In addition, the inspection team collected both warm and chilled pork samples from two stalls at Vinh Vien market. Results showed that 10 out of 12 samples tested positive for African swine fever. Consequently, Can Tho authorities coordinated with relevant agencies to destroy over 840kg of contaminated pork in accordance with regulations.

During the investigation, police determined that the three veterinary officers mentioned had committed violations under the charge of “abuse of position and power while performing official duties.” However, specific details regarding each individual’s misconduct have not yet been released.

Can Tho Police stated that further investigation is underway, particularly focusing on pork vendors. Any individuals found violating the law will be dealt with strictly under existing regulations.