GOF seizes over RM1mil worth of smuggled durian saplings, rare plants, cigarettes
RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized Black Thorn durian saplings, rare Cycas plants, and illicit cigarettes worth more than RM1 million in two separate operations here and in Tanah Merah yesterday.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said a lorry driver was detained for possessing the saplings and plants during the operation here.
The 26-year-old suspect was arrested at Jalan Kampung Kedap around midnight.
"GOF personnel spotted the suspicious lorry arriving in the area and, upon inspection, found 9,000 Black Thorn durian saplings and nine rare Cycas plants.
"The saplings and plants, valued at about RM1.05 million, are believed to have been smuggled in from Thailand," he said.
Initial investigations revealed that the consignment was bound for a nursery in Muar, Johor.
Nik Ros Azhan said the case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167).
The suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the Agriculture Department for further action.
In a separate raid, the GOF seized 10,000 sticks of illicit white cigarettes, believed to be intended for the local market, valued at about RM18,700.
"No arrests were made in the 3pm raid at an abandoned house in Kampung Pelain, Batu Gajah, Tanah Merah," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
The seized items have been handed over to the Pasir Mas district police station.
Nik Ros Azhan reiterated the GOF's commitment to strengthening enforcement along the country's borders.
"We will continue to intensify operations to curb cross-border smuggling and ensure our border security remains intact," he added.
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