Customs officials seized more than 22,000 tons of smuggled frozen meat in South China on Thursday morning. Thirteen suspect, linked to the meat, were arrested in Guangdong province. 

The group was found to be transferring frozen chicken wings and pigs' feet that are not branded safe by the government. 

Like Us on Facebook

The suspects are believed to be involved in a larger ring of smugglers who have been operating in the country for a long time. An initial investigation revealed that the ring has smuggled an estimated $42.5 million (¥280 million) worth of frozen meat since 2014. 

To avoid being tracked, the group reportedly buys the meat from overseas companies and transport it through different countries. The seized meat, in particular, were first transported to Hong Kong then to Vietnam before arriving in mainland China. 

China is the world's biggest consumer of meat. It often resorts to imported meat because of the lack of local markets to meet the demand.

The Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on meat smugglers in 2014. 

"We will put all our strength into tracking the source and sale points of smuggled frozen meat, including those people facilitating the process from behind the scenes," the China Food and Drug Administration said. 

This has forced the illegal operation deeper underground and paved the way for more creative ways to transfer meat. Police have seized smuggled meat imported from Vietnam and India. 

Now, smugglers transfer the meat in small amounts to avoid suspicion from border officers. 

Tagssmuggled meat, meat in China, frozen meat, smuggling rings in China, Vietnam