KUALA LUMPUR: An illegal frozen chicken import syndicate in Sabah was crippled in an operation codenamed “Ops Chick” on Tuesday (Aug 11).
According to sources, the syndicate was believed to have bribed port authority officers to facilitate the entry of the contraband.
The operation, conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Intelligence Division in collaboration with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and the Customs Department, resulted in the seizure of 10 containers loaded with frozen chicken allegedly imported illegally from China.
“Initial investigations found that the containers carrying the frozen chicken had been falsely declared and did not undergo the prescribed inspection procedures.
“Following the operation, the MACC detained three men aged between their 30s and 50s who are believed to have acted as forwarding agents and company managers.
“The MACC is also identifying other individuals believed to be involved,” a source said.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman, when contacted, confirmed the operation and arrests.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 17 of the MACC Act 2009.
"The three suspects are expected to be brought before the Kota Kinabalu Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (Aug 12) for a remand application to facilitate investigations," he added.
