KOTA BARU: The 8th Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF) foiled an attempt to smuggle 3,700 ornamental plants after intercepting a lorry along Jalan Rantau Panjang Lama near Pos Pok Teh Kana in Pasir Mas on Friday (Aug 15).
South-East Brigade GOF Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the seized plants included 2,000 bamboo saplings, 1,000 banyan saplings, 500 bonsai trees and 200 bougainvillea plants, all suspected of carrying pests and diseases.
"The driver failed to provide any documentation for the ornamental plants, which are suspected to have been smuggled from Thailand," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 17).
"The 26-year-old driver, who was supposed to deliver the plants to a local nursery, was also detained.
"The estimated value of the seizure is RM870,000, including the lorry. (The items have) been handed over to the Kelantan Agriculture Department for further action."
Nik Ros Azhan said the case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976. – Bernama
