Tumpat:The General Operations Force (GOF) has confiscated 1,216 kilograms of rice, suspected to be smuggled from Thailand, in a recent operation in Kampung Kubang Panjang, Tumpat.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the rice, valued at RM4,864, was seized during Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan at around 4 pm. The operation was conducted by Strike Force Company B, Battalion 7 of the Kuantan GOF, who identified a suspicious Nissan Vanette van while patrolling the Kota Bharu-Pengkalan Kubor route.

Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain reported that the van's driver attempted to flee upon seeing the police, but the vehicle skidded in the Kampung Kubang Panjang area. Upon inspection, authorities found 49 sacks of rice of various brands, including 750 kg with the Mangga label, 250 kg with the Nangka label, 120 kg with the Serindit label, 72 kg with the Angsa Mas label, and 24 kg with the Pisang label.

A 35-year-old local man driving the van was detained for further investigation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the rice was smuggled from Thailand through the illegal Pohon Tar base in Kuala Jambu and was being transported to Pasir Puteh.

Ahmad Radzi stated that the case has been turned over to the Kelantan State Padi and Rice Regulatory Department for further proceedings under Section 20 of the National Padi and Rice Regulatory Act 1994. The authorities also confiscated the Nissan Vanette van, valued at RM18,000, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM22,864.