Some of the seized plants. - Photo courtesy of GOF
KOTA BARU: The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) successfully busted attempts to smuggle ornamental plants with an estimated seizure worth RM4.3mil after detaining two lorries in two separate raids in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas on Saturday (Feb 15).
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the first seizure was made at 11am when a 41-year-old man who was believed to be transporting the plants to Melaka was apprehended in Kampung Kedap, Rantau Panjang through Ops Taring Wawasan Kelantan.
"The inspection found more than 4,700 garden croton plants, 800 Masjutik Batik plants, 1,000 Masjutik Hijau plants, 1,000 Thong Urai plants, 500 oleander plants and 1,200 sandpaper vines with an estimated value, including the lorry, worth RM1.8mil," he said in a statement Monday (Feb 17).
He said in the incident at 9.15pm the same day, enforcement personnel arrested a 33-year-old man near Gual Tinggi after seizing more than 5,000 Keruing saplings believed to be on the way to Jerantut, Pahang, with an estimated haul, including the lorry, worth RM2.5mil.
"All the plants seized are believed to have been smuggled from Thailand and are suspected of having pests and diseases. The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167).
"The suspects and the seized items were taken to the Rantau Panjang police station for further action," he said. - Bernama
