Kajang: The Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) has successfully dismantled a RM12.4 million meat smuggling and distribution syndicate in a recent operation under Op Taring Chiller in Kajang, Selangor.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the raids, which took place on May 14 and 15, resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including four Myanmar nationals aged between 21 and 43, at a premises in Kajang. The operation was conducted by the Bukit Aman JKDNKA's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK), in collaboration with several local authorities including the Department of Veterinary Services, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), and the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj).

During the raid, authorities seized 4,840 cartons of pork carcasses, 410 cartons of chicken wings, and 115 cartons of duck meat, which were suspected to have been imported from China, Brazil, and Argentina. The total quantity of the seized items was estimated at 167,143.73 kilograms, with a total value of RM12.4 million.

Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, the director of JKDNKA, stated that initial investigations revealed the syndicate was operating under the guise of a frozen food business while engaging in illegal smuggling activities. The syndicate mixed halal products with non-halal items and used false declarations to import the meat, which was then repackaged for sale in the local market at reduced prices.

Police believe a specific network orchestrates these activities and are conducting further investigations to identify the masterminds, financiers, and other individuals involved. The case is being investigated under various laws, including the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, and the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011. Additionally, it is being examined under Section 3 of the Kajang Municipal Council's Licensing of Trades, Businesses, and Industries By-Laws.

In a related development, Mohd Yusri reported that from January 1 to May 15, the WCB/PSK conducted eight raids under Op Taring Chiller, resulting in 52 arrests and seizures valued at RM15.1 million. Overall, during the same period, JKDNKA recorded 88 cases involving 153 arrests, with total seizures amounting to RM157.3 million.