KOTA BARU: An attempt to smuggle 42,700 coconuts into Thailand, valued at RM1.2mil, from a storage facility at an illegal jetty in Tumpat here has been foiled by the authorities.
The General Operations Force (GOF) smashed the smuggling attempt at the jetty in Jalan Kasban on Friday.
Southeast Brigade GOF commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the seizure was carried out by the 7th Battalion GOF through Ops Taring Wawasan at 10.30pm.
“This seizure was made after we detained three men suspected of smuggling coconuts at the illegal jetty’s storage facility.
“Upon inspection, we found 42,700 coconuts inside a trailer, believed to be destined for Thailand.
“The three local men, aged between 22 and 38, are suspected of being couriers for the smuggling operation,” Nik Ros Azhan said in a statement yesterday.
He added that the total seizure, including the vehicle, was valued at RM1.2mil, and the case was being investigated under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Act 1965.
Nik Ros Azhan said all suspects and confiscated items were taken to the Pengkalan Kubor GOF tactical headquarters.
Meanwhile, at a separate location, he said the 7th Battalion GOF also seized ornamental plants worth RM12,600 during a roadblock operation at Lalang Pepuyu, Tanah Merah, on Saturday.
He said the seizure was made after a suspicious-looking van was stopped during Ops Taring Wawasan.
“An inspection uncovered 260 ornamental plant saplings inside the van, suspected of harbouring pests and diseases.
“The driver, a 34-year-old man, is believed to have been transporting the plants for local distribution,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167), while the suspect and confiscated goods have been handed over to the Kelantan Plant Biosecurity Division for further action.
