KOTA BARU: The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) thwarted an attempt to smuggle 1,000 Bromeliad seedlings on Jalan Besar Rantau Panjang-Pasir Mas on Thursday (Feb 20).
Its commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said that the seizure was carried out after personnel from the GOF’s 8th Battalion intercepted a suspiciously driven lorry around 5.30pm during Op Taring Wawasan.
"Upon inspection, more than 1,000 Bromeliad seedlings, believed to have been smuggled from Thailand, were discovered in the lorry. The plants are suspected to carry pests and diseases.
"The driver, a 59-year-old local man, is believed to have been transporting the plants for distribution in the local market. The total estimated value of the seized goods is RM250,000,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 21).
The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167), and both the suspect and the seized items have been taken to the Rantau Panjang police station for further action. - Bernama
