Thailand finds no livestock drug smuggling, pledges cooperation
Narathiwat Deputy Governor Wichan Chaisetsumpan said authorities are unaware of any cases of drugs being smuggled inside livestock across the border.
"So far, there is no information or cases within our agencies about such a method being used to smuggle drugs," he told reporters when met here yesterday.
He was responding to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat's remarks last week, who said intelligence suggested drug traffickers were hiding narcotics inside livestock imported from a neighbouring country.
"We received information a few months ago indicating that some cattle and goats, legally imported across the border, were not being fed by their owners during the quarantine period," he said.
Malaysia shares a long and porous border with southern Thailand.
However, Wichan said Thailand continues to work closely with Malaysian authorities including those in Kelantan to curb cross-border smuggling involving narcotics, livestock, and other illicit activities.
"Both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to jointly tackle smuggling issues along the border," he added.
Commenting on the recent closure of illegal jetties along the Kelantan border by Malaysian police, he said similar action had been taken on the Thai side along the Golok river.
"Illegal jetties on our side have also been shut down but we allow limited flexibility based on the needs of local residents," he said.
Wichan also said that Thai authorities would allow Malaysians to cross the river, but only during specific times and under strict conditions.
"They are allowed to cross at designated times, provided they do not carry any prohibited items.
"Thai military personnel will maintain strict surveillance along approved routes," he said.
Wichan was speaking after attending the closing of a boat racing competition here involving 40 teams including five from Malaysia.
Also present were Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor and Sungai Golok Mayor Saleeha Mayutoh.
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