Police have charged four women over the alleged theft of a number of piglets from a Pittsworth piggery on November 10.
As part of the investigation, officers from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) and Firearms and Cannabis Team executed search warrants in Banyo, Margate and Currumbin Waters yesterday.
Two of the piglets were later recovered from a Maryborough address.
Inquiries are continuing to locate the remaining piglets.
It is alleged that during the offence the piglets were taken from their mother shortly after birth, prior to receiving their first milk (colostrum), which is vital for survival.
The women were charged with one count each of enter with intent and stealing stock and will also be subject to biosecurity offences.
A Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) spokesperson said considering the global conditions surrounding severity of African Swine Fever it is concerning these people would enter a piggery.
"There is the potential to spread disease which would have a devastating affect on the Australian Pig Industry."
Two of the women, a 21-year-old from Alexandra Hills and a 27-year-old from Nudgee, will appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 16.
A 29-year-old Margate woman will appear in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on December 11.
A 21-year-old Petrie woman will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 4.
Investigations are continuing.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
