West Meath one of counties in horse meat probe with seven premises being searched this morning

A massive search operation is being carried out this morning in counties around the country including West Meath surrounding fraudulent practices regarding tampering of identification passports and microchips of horses presented for slaughter. 

This is a Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation led operation supported by officers from, Criminal Assets Bureau, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.

 The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland are conducting planned searches at locations in Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Westmeath and Kilkenny.

A total of  seven sites are being searched including farms, houses and a commercial premises.