BUKIT MERTAJAM: The General Operations Force (GOF) detained two men,and seized 868 boxes of various types of food products and 1,567 boxes of assorted medicines and cosmetic products from Myanmar worth over RM500,000 here.
GOF Northern Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Shahrum Hashim said the suspects, a local and Myanmar national, were detained at a house in Bukit Mertajam during an integrated operation between the GOD's northern brigade, Seberang Perai Tengah Health office and the Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division on Wednesday (June 4).
"Initial interrogations on both suspects revealed that the house had been used as a storage facility for food products, medicines, and cosmetics for the past two years, meant for sale to Myanmar nationals living and working in the Bukit Mertajam area and its surrounding districts," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 5).
SAC Shahrum said the location of the house was detected by the Intelligence Branch of Battalion 2 of the GOF, together with the Seberang Perai Tengah Health Office and the Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division, and prevented the two suspects from distributing food products, medicines, and cosmetics that are unsafe for use in Malaysia.
He said the seized items were worth RM559,190 in total.
He said the Myanmar national was arrested under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 while the local suspect was arrested under Section 55Bof the Immigration Act 1959/63.
He said the Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division also investigated the case under the Drugs Control and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
SAC Shahrum also said vigorous surveillance and patrols are currently being conducted by the GOF across Perak, Penang, and Kedah to curb illegal activities.
He said GOF remains fully committed and consistent in carrying out enforcement actions, and will not compromise in upholding the law.
"The public is urged to act as the eyes and ears of the authorities by providing information related to any unlawful activities," he said.
