Tanah Merah: The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) successfully thwarted two separate smuggling attempts involving ornamental and other plants valued at over RM900,000 on Thursday and yesterday. Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid detailed the operations during a press release, highlighting the efforts made to curtail illegal activities in the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first operation, named Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan, occurred on Thursday. GOF personnel stopped a lorry driven by a suspicious individual at a roadblock on Lalang Pepuyu, Tanah Merah. The 25-year-old driver, believed to be a courier, was detained around 5.30 pm. The lorry was found to contain 1,500 types of seedlings suspected to have been smuggled from Thailand, all infested with mold and pests. The estimated value of the seized goods, including the vehicle, was RM215,000. Authorities are investigating the case under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167).

The second smuggling attempt was intercepted by GOF personnel at Chabang Empat Tumpat at 12.15 am yesterday. A lorry carrying 3,800 orchid seedlings of various types and two boxes of bamboo stakes was stopped. The shipment was suspected to have been smuggled from Thailand without valid documentation. Two men, aged 37 and 34, identified as couriers, were arrested. The estimated value of the goods, including the vehicle, is RM720,300, and the case is being investigated under the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167).

In a related development, Nik Ros Azhan reported the seizure of 12 cows believed to have been smuggled from Thailand. The cows, weighing approximately 7,800 kg, were seized during another raid last Thursday. A 35-year-old man transporting the cows in a lorry was also detained. The total value of this seizure, including the vehicle, is estimated at RM257,000, with the case being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Animals Act 1953.