Marine police intercept lorry with 1.1 tonnes of Thai rice; driver flees scene
KOTA BARU: A man suspected of smuggling Thai rice sped off in his lorry when he realised he was being tailed by the authorities along Jalan Kota Baru-Pasir Puteh yesterday.
In the 11am incident, the lorry driven by the suspect was spotted by a team from Region Three marine police intelligence unit in Pengkalan Kubor, during Op Taring Landai/Kontraban.
Region Three marine police commander Assistant Commissioner Zulafendy Hassan said intelligence gathering had been ongoing for a week before they acted on the tip-off.
"Upon noticing our presence, the driver accelerated before pulling over by the roadside in Kampung Mahligai, Bachok.
"He then exited the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes. Our team gave chase but he managed to escape.
"Checks of the lorry uncovered 44 sacks of Thai rice, weighing a total of 1.1 tonnes and worth an estimated RM4,400," he said in a statement.
Zulafendy said the rice had been brought in from Thailand via Sungai Golok in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, and was believed to be intended for distribution in southern Kelantan and Pasir Puteh.
He said the total seizure, including the lorry, was estimated at RM84,400.
The rice, he said, was later handed over to Agriculture and Food Security Ministry for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 which carries a maximum fine of RM25,000.
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