KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) foiled an attempt to smuggle 3,000 Black Thorn durian saplings worth an estimated RM900,000 from Thailand in an operation at Kampung Parit Air in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, on Sunday (Feb 9).
In the 10.30am raid, a team from the Southern Brigade’s 8th Battalion conducting Ops Taring Wawasan Kelantan stopped a lorry driven by a man.
South-East Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the durian saplings, found upon inspecting the lorry, were believed to have been smuggled and posed a risk of pests and diseases.
He said the 44-year-old suspect is believed to have been on his way to deliver the saplings to an orchard in Perak.
"The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976. The suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the Rantau Panjang police station,” he said.
Nik Ros Azhan said the GOF remains committed to strengthening border control measures to curb smuggling activities that threaten national security. – Bernama
