Pasir Mas: An attempt to smuggle over 4,000 orchid plants valued at RM2 million was thwarted by the General Operations Force (GOF) in an operation at Kampung Parit Air in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid stated that GOF officers intercepted a suspicious-looking vehicle at around 1 pm under the “Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan”. The officers discovered thousands of orchid plants believed to be intended for the local market. These plants are suspected of carrying pests and diseases, posing a potential threat to the country’s agricultural sector.

The 59-year-old local driver, suspected of acting as the courier for the smuggling operation, was arrested. The case is currently being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167).

Nik Ros Azhan further mentioned that the suspect, along with the seized orchid plants, has been handed over to the police for further investigation.