Gof Seize Rm1 2mil Worth Of Coconuts From Smugglers

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Southeast brigade GOF commander Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the case is being investigated under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Act 1965. (Bernama pic)
KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) foiled an attempt to smuggle 42,700 coconuts into Thailand, valued at RM1.2 million, from a storage facility at a jetty on Jalan Kasban, in Tumpat, Kelantan on Friday.
Southeast brigade GOF commander Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the seizure was carried out by the 7th Battalion GOF through Op Taring Wawasan at 10.30pm.
“This seizure was made after we detained three men suspected of smuggling coconuts at the jetty’s storage facility. Upon further inspection, we found 42,700 coconuts inside a trailer, believed to be destined for Thailand.
“The three men, aged between 22 and 38, were suspected to be couriers for the smuggling operation,” he said in a statement today.
He said the total seizure, including the vehicle, was valued at RM1.2 million, and the case is being investigated under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) Act 1965.
According to Nik Ros, the three suspects and the confiscated items were taken to the Pengkalan Kubor GOF tactical headquarters for further action.
Separately, he said the 7th Battalion GOF also seized ornamental plants worth RM12,600 during a roadblock operation at Lalang Pepuyu, in Tanah Merah, Kelantan at noon yesterday.
He said the seizure was made after his men stopped a suspicious-looking van during Op Taring Wawasan.
“An inspection uncovered 260 ornamental plant saplings inside the van. It is believed that they contained pests and could even be contaminated with diseases.
“The driver, a 34-year-old man, was transporting the plants to be sold at the local market,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167), while the suspect and confiscated goods have been handed over to the Kelantan plant biosecurity division for further action. - FMT

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