Police have seized around 11kg of illegal bushmeat, including cane rat and antelope, during a raid at a property in southeast London.
The operation targeted illegally imported meat products that officers say pose “potential food safety risks” to consumers.
A 51-year-old man was arrested following the raid.
He has been released under investigation.
Officers from the Food Standard Agency’s NFCU worked together with Metropolitan Police’s Peckham Rye Safer Neighbourhood Team to carry out the raid.
Bushmeat is wild animal meat that has been hunted, often from species found in tropical regions.
Illegally imported meat bypasses the rigorous safety and hygiene checks required for food sold in the UK and can carry diseases and contaminants that put consumers at risk.
David Toms-Sheridan, Head of Investigations at NFCU said: “The NFCU has 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 are ongoing.
