Ponda: Exposing illegal transportation of meat, Collem police on Friday seized around 1,800 kg of beef worth Rs 4.5 lakh at the Mollem check-post. The beef was being brought into Goa from Karnataka in a mini tempo.
Police have arrested the tempo driver, identified as Mahabubsab Bagvaale, a resident of Belagavi, Karnataka, and seized the vehicle. A check by a veterinary officer confirmed that the meat was beef.
Police said the driver did not possess valid documents related to transport of the meat. The tempo was intercepted at the check-post around 5 am. The beef was sealed in thermocol boxes, said police.
An offence has been registered against the tempo driver under Section 8 of Goa Animal Preservation Act, 1995, following a complaint lodged by the veterinary officer. Further investigation is in progress.