KOTA BARU: An attempt to smuggle 32 head of cattle from Thailand was foiled by the Army in an operation at the Sungai Golok border area in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, early Tuesday (Feb 24).
The Malaysian Second Infantry Division Headquarters (2nd Division) said troops conducting border control detected seven men bringing the cattle across the riverbank from Thailand at about 5.15am.
The team also spotted a lorry and several individuals believed to be waiting to transport the animals before surrounding the area and detaining three local men aged 36 to 43, while other suspects fled across the river into Thailand, it said.
The Army seized the cattle, a lorry, a car and five motorcycles.
The total value of the seizure was estimated at RM448,350.
The livestock was handed over to the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) Department in Rantau Panjang, while the case is being investigated by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department at the Bukit Bunga Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex, the Army added. – Bernama
