PETALING JAYA: Two smugglers have fled leaving 2,000 kilograms of rice believed to have been smuggled from Thailand by the roadside in two separate locations here and in Pasir Mas on Saturday.
According to Sinar Harian, Southeast Brigade Commander, Senior Asst Comm Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, said a raid by members of the 8th Battalion of the General Operations Force in Pengkalan Chepa successfully intercepted a suspiciously driven car at around 9am in Kampung Jias, Beta Hulu.
"During the raid, the suspect, a man, fled the scene, abandoning the car by the roadside. An inspection of the vehicle revealed 800kg of smuggled rice from Thailand without valid documentation," he said on Sunday (Oct 20).
He added that the estimated value of the seized items, including the car, amounted to RM13,200.
In a second raid, as part of Operation Taring Wawasan, members of the 8th Battalion conducted a raid in Kampung Chica, Pasir Mas.
Nik Ros Azhan said the seizure, which took place at 9.30am, involved an MPV and a four-wheel drive, also driven suspiciously by a man.
He further stated that the suspect fled upon being stopped, leaving the vehicle by the roadside.
"An inspection of the vehicle found 1,200kg of Thai rice without valid documents. The estimated value of the seized vehicle and goods is RM34,800," he said.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 20 of the Paddy and Rice Control Act 1994.
Nik Ros Azhan said the seized goods were handed over to the Tactical Company (Komtak) Jeram Perdah for further action.
