KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Immigration Department has busted a migrant smuggling syndicate following the arrest of 41 individuals, including seven children, during an integrated operation in Kampung Kubang Sepat, Pasir Mas.
Its director Mohamed Yusoff Khan Mohd Hassan said the operation, which began at 5.30am, was carried out by the Immigration Border Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Special Tactical Team from the Intelligence and Special Operations Division of Immigration headquarters in Putrajaya.
“The raid was the result of a two-week intelligence operation conducted by the team, which led to the arrest of 41 individuals, comprising 35 illegal immigrants from Myanmar, including two boys and five girls.
“The arrested immigrants were aged between three and 53 years old, while six local men, suspected of acting as transporters and caretakers of transit houses, were also detained,” he said.
Mohamed Yusoff Khan said authorities also seized five vehicles, namely a four-wheel drive, a sports utility vehicle, a sedan and two motorcycles, believed to have been used in smuggling activities.
The total estimated value of the vehicles is RM300,000, Bernama reported.
“Cash amounting to RM820 and 10,000 Thai baht was also seized,” he said.
