Kota bharu: Police have found that smuggling syndicates are increasingly using river and coastal routes from Tak Bai, Thailand, including waterways in Tumpat, that can reach Sungai Kelantan. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat revealed that this shift in smuggling tactics has been detected this year, with syndicates opting for sea and coastal routes more frequently.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the syndicates have been navigating river routes in Tumpat and island areas, notably around Pulau Tok Kong. Mohd Yusoff explained the syndicates' new approach, stating, "Now the syndicates are using more sea and coastal routes. They enter through rivers in Tumpat and islands around the area. Many river routes in the area can reach Sungai Kelantan."

He further elaborated that these smugglers also travel along coastal routes from Tak Bai before reaching areas such as Kuala Besar, Semerak, Pengkalan Chepa, and Pantai Sabak, with some extending their operations up to Besut in Terengganu. The effectiveness of these routes has been demonstrated through several significant drug seizures by police in coastal regions.

Mohd Yusoff highlighted successful drug arrests in Pantai Sabak and Semerak, where authorities confiscated over 100 kilogrammes of syabu, transported via boats. He also addressed the issue of illegal bases at the Malaysia-Thailand border, noting that 91 structures on government land have been demolished so far.

The security management along the Kelantan-Thailand border, which stretches approximately 163 kilometers, includes 91 kilometers involving the waters of Sungai Golok. This surveillance encompasses key districts such as Tumpat, Rantau Panjang (Pasir Mas), Tanah Merah, and Jeli. The prohibition on illegal cross-border movement through unauthorized bases or crossing points at the Malaysia-Thailand border, particularly in the Sungai Golok area, has been enforced since December 1, 2024.