Kelantan: Kelantan police are investigating the possibility that drug smugglers are concealing contraband in the rectums of cows and goats, and using livestock pens as transit points prior to distribution to other states.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated that they had received intelligence on this new tactic but had yet to find solid evidence. The police are conducting intelligence operations with assistance from other enforcement agencies after receiving information that some cattle or goat pens might be used as transit points for drugs.

Mohd Yusoff disclosed allegations that certain pen owners may be deliberately withholding food and water from cattle during a two-week quarantine period. This tactic might be aimed at preventing the cattle from defecating, thereby keeping the hidden drugs from being expelled. Despite having received this information, confirmation through physical evidence is still pending.

He outlined that cattle smuggling from Thailand occurs both legally, with permits and through the quarantine process, and illegally, without permits, across the river or through rat trails. The smuggling hot spots are primarily from Pasir Mas to Tanah Merah, as the river in this area is narrow and shallow, facilitating easy crossing for syndicates.

Kelantan police, in collaboration with the General Operations Force, Marine Police, and the army, are continuously tightening control along the 136 km border with Thailand. They are also actively sharing intelligence with the authorities in the neighboring country to prevent drug penetration.

Mohd Yusoff acknowledged that Kelantan remains a main transit location for drug syndicates smuggling supplies from neighboring countries before further distribution. Although drugs such as syabu, ganja, and heroin are not popular for local use, they are smuggled through the Kelantan border to be distributed to the west coast of the Peninsula, including Kuala Lumpur, or to other countries.