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Restaurateurs warned off ‘black market’ caviar
RESTAURANTS are being warned to be vigilant after a batch of black market caviar was discovered during a routine inspection in the West End.
Following the seizure, police swooped on two addresses in Edgware Road believed to be involved with illegally importing the delicacy.
The confiscated caviar has now been destroyed.
Because of the critical world shortage of the fish the eggs come from, it is illegal to sell caviar in the UK which has not come from an authorised dealer.
Councillor Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for community protection said: “We are urging businesses to avoid black market caviar. Anybody suspecting illegal caviar trading should contact the council. We are working to ensure that any potential illegal traders are found, food hygiene regulations are complied with and consumers in Westminster are protected.”
The council has launched a campaign to inform restaurant owners and managers how to identify illegal caviar.
Detective Sergeant Ian Knox from the Met police wildlife crime unit said: “The Met police are committed to tackling organised crime and will target those who seek to operate an illegal caviar black market. It is unacceptable that individuals are seeking to profit from this, driving several species to the edge of extinction by illegal poaching.” |
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