A Carmarthenshire farmer, who was discovered carrying illegal meat, known as “smokies”, in his vehicle while travelling through Newport, has been fined £13,500.
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Stanley Harrison was stopped by Gwent Police earlier this year and Newport City Council environmental health officers subsequently seized a large consignment of “smokies”.
Harrison, of Caio, Llanwrda, pleaded guilty at Abergavenny magistrates to having unfit meat in his possession for sale.
He was fined £13,500, ordered to pay a contribution to council costs of £4,000 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Smokies are considered a delicacy in some communities but they are banned in the UK under European law as unsafe to eat because the skin is left on the animal.
They are made from goat or sheep carcasses which are singed with a blow torch. The illegal trade can represent a potential health hazard to anyone who handles or eats the meat.
Councillor Gail Giles, cabinet member for licensing and statutory functions, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this successful prosecution.
“We take this issue extremely seriously and will continue to take action against anyone who is found to be involved in this illicit trade. It is appalling that people are willing to risk the health of other people simply to make a profit.
