Met Police and officers from the Food Standards Agency’s food crime unit have seized approximately 11kg of illegal bushmeat in Southeast London.
Bushmeat is wild animal meat that has been hunted, often from species found in tropical regions.
At the address, officers found bushmeat species including cane rat and antelope. A 51 -year-old male was arrested and has been released under investigation.
The inception of these illegal goods form part of an operation targeting illegally imported meat products which have bypassed safety and hygiene checks required for food to be sold in the UK. As a result, they can carry diseases and contaminants that put consumers at risk.
David Toms-Sheridan, head of investigations (South of England and Wales) at the NFCU said: “The NFCU have been working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service and other Subject Matter Experts to identify those suspected of being involved in this criminality. This operation forms part of the NFCU’s ongoing work to disrupt the illegal meat trade and prevent unsafe products from reaching the public.
“The FSA advises consumers not to buy or eat illegally imported meat, including bushmeat, as it may pose serious health risks. If you have concerns about products being sold, contact your local authority.
“We remain vigilant to the threat of illegal meat entering the food chain and will continue to take action to protect the public.”
Enquiries into this investigation are ongoing.
This news follows the interception of 38kg of frozen bushmeat species last December, and £500K worth of counterfeit drinks in March 2026.
