Chinese nabbed over P15 million ‘hot’ meat

MANILA, Philippines — At least five tons of banned meat products amounting to P15 million were confiscated during a raid in Binondo, Manila on Monday night.

Police said 52-year-old Chinese businessman Cai Changfen was arrested along with his Filipino driver, Rogelio Edrinal, 50, and helper Joshua Almario, 22.

Members of the Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team led by Maj. Rosalino Ibay Jr. and the Veterinary Inspection Board conducted the raid based on a tip from a concerned citizen.

Ibay said Cai and his aides were about to board a white Toyota van outside a warehouse along San Fernando street when they were intercepted.

During an inspection of the van, authorities said they found imported “hot” meat and exotic species.

Ibay said they were checking reports that the banned meat products came from a warehouse in Navotas allegedly owned by Chinese Jalen Yang.

Last week, police seized spoiled meat products following a raid on a storage facility in Balut, Tondo.

Charges of violation of Food Safety Regulations Act were filed against Yang and the owner of the Tondo warehouse.