The stench of goat dung may mask a hidden drug trade near Thai border
Thai authorities say Kelantan-based syndicates are now mimicking a long-used tactic by regional smugglers: burying narcotics under piles of animal waste to evade detection by sight and scent.
"This method is used to avoid detection by enforcement agencies.
"Authorities in the neighbouring country have been aware of this tactic for several years and have successfully foiled several attempts involving it," the source said.
One such case involved a syndicate that hid methamphetamine pills known locally as 'pil kuda', under goat dung.
"The drugs were first wrapped in plastic and then buried underground before being covered with animal waste to mask their presence," the sources told New Straits Times.
It is understood that local syndicates in Kelantan have begun to emulate this technique, particularly those operating near the Malaysia-Thailand border.
The tactic, while unconventional, provides traffickers with a strategic advantage by making the drugs harder to detect visually or through scent especially when using livestock pens as camouflage.
It is learnt that authorities in Kelantan especially the police, are now on high alert, with cross-border intelligence sharing being strengthened to monitor and intercept such smuggling methods.
Investigations are ongoing to identify individuals and groups who may be replicating these tactics.
It was reported that police have crippled a major drug syndicate distributing methamphetamine pills with the seizure of more than 35.4kg of the drug worth RM5.04 million in six raids in Pasir Mas and Tumpat recently.
Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department acting director Deputy Commissioner Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che said five men and a woman were arrested in the raids.
He said some 20kg of pills were found in a cattle shed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Cambodian Culture ministry condemn continued Thai attacks on Preah Vihear Temple
PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued an urgent statement condemning the 'continued and intensified shelling' of the Preah Vihear Temple by Thai armed forces, calling the attacks a direct assault on Cambodia's sovereignty and a violation of international laws protecting cultural heritage. In the strongly worded Sunday (July 27) statement, the ministry accused Thailand of endangering not only the structural integrity of the ancient temple — inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008 — but also the 'shared cultural heritage of humanity'. According to the ministry, large portions of the temple and its surrounding sacred landscape have suffered 'grave and unprecedented' damage. 'These renewed acts of aggression have placed the temple in grave and unprecedented danger,' the ministry said, adding that the destruction has undermined 'a symbol of Cambodia's national identity, historical continuity and spiritual heritage'. The ministry asserted that the attacks constitute blatant violations of several international instruments, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, the 1999 Second Protocol, the 1972 Unesco World Heritage Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), under which intentional destruction of cultural heritage may be prosecuted as a war crime. It also noted Thailand's obligations as a state party to the International Coordinating Committee for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Temple of Preah Vihear, as established by a Unesco decision in 2014. The ministry called on Thailand to immediately halt all military operations targeting Preah Vihear Temple and its designated protected zones and to fully comply wit its legal obligations under the aforementioned treaties. In its appeal to the international community, the ministry urged Unesco, the UN and relevant cultural and human rights organisations to: Demand an immediate ceasefire and respect for Cambodia's sovereignty. Publicly condemn Thailand's continued aggression. Pursue diplomatic and legal measures to hold those responsible accountable. Deploy international observers to assess the damage and aid in site protection. The ministry affirmed it is meticulously documenting all instances of destruction and is prepared to pursue legal action through the ICC and other international legal forums to seek justice and reparations. 'The Kingdom of Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to defending its cultural heritage and upholding the principles of peace, justice and international law,' the statement concluded. Preah Vihear Temple, located atop a 525-metre cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, has long been a source of diplomatic tension between Cambodia and Thailand. This latest escalation marks a serious deterioration in bilateral relations and raises alarm over the protection of irreplaceable cultural landmarks amid armed conflict. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Tibetan singer detained by China for Dalai Lama tribute song
DHARAMSALA: A Tibetan singer and activist has been detained by Chinese authorities, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The India-based exile government reported that Tzukte, known as Asang, was arrested in early July after performing a song honouring the Dalai Lama. The CTA, which operates as a government-in-exile without international recognition, condemned the arrest as part of China's 'broader campaign to suppress Tibetan voices, especially artists and writers.' China maintains strict control over Tibet, which it considers an inseparable part of its territory. Asang, a student of the well-known Tibetan singer Gebe, had previously drawn attention for publicly displaying the word 'Tibet' on his forehead in Sichuan province. The act gained online support but also increased official scrutiny. 'His detention, without charge or information on his whereabouts, violates international human rights norms and underscores China's ongoing assault on freedom of expression, cultural rights, and religious belief in Tibet,' the CTA stated. Chinese authorities have not commented on the arrest. Rights groups have long criticised Beijing's policies in Tibet, accusing it of erasing cultural and religious identity. – AFP
Focus Malaysia
12 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Thailand-Cambodia border clash enters third day, dozens dead and thousands displaced
HEAVY artillery exchanges between Thailand and Cambodia have entered their third consecutive day, deepening a border conflict that has so far resulted in at least 33 fatalities and displaced over 150,000 individuals from their homes. The skirmishes, initially triggered in Thailand's coastal Trat province along the Gulf of Thailand, have since expanded to affect six Thai provinces. The situation remains tense, with communities near the frontline reporting the ongoing sounds of shelling. Reporters from AFP stationed in Samraong, a Cambodian town close to the heart of the conflict, noted audible artillery fire on Sunday evening. Similar reports came from Thai civilians sheltering in bunkers in Si Sa Ket, one of the hardest-hit regions. 'I just want this nightmare to be over,' said local resident Sutian Phiewchan via a phone interview. Cambodian authorities allege that Thai forces have widened their assaults, targeting civilian structures, including schools, places of worship, and residential zones, a move Cambodia views as a clear escalation. The Khmer Times, quoting Ministry of Defence spokesperson Maly Socheata, stated that Thai artillery fire reached beyond officially contested areas. Thailand has refuted these claims, insisting its strikes are strictly focused on military objectives. The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed the deployment of two F-16s and two Gripen fighter jets on Sunday afternoon. Their mission: to neutralise Cambodian military positions in Phu Makua, Si Sa Ket — an area the Thai army reportedly reclaimed earlier the same day. Thai forces also engaged Cambodian positions in Surin province, specifically at Prasat Ta Muean Thom, where enemy troops and artillery had been stationed. Both locations were reportedly neutralised, with all Thai aircraft returning safely. Clashes were also documented in Sa Kaeo, bringing the total number of affected Thai provinces to six. While both sides have expressed a willingness to consider a ceasefire, mutual distrust continues to derail negotiations. Each government accuses the other of obstructing peace efforts, according to the Bangkok Post. The Thai military has urged residents in border areas to remain on high alert amid concerns that Cambodia may launch long-range missiles sourced from China, with capabilities of reaching up to 130 kilometres. A Thai defence attaché in Beijing, Siwat Rattana-Ananta, met with Chinese officials earlier this week. He was assured that no new arms shipments have been made to Cambodia since the conflict began, and that any weapons currently in use were acquired under previous deals. Cambodia's military modernisation efforts have been heavily supported by China, through both financial and logistical aid — including upgrades to the Ream Naval Base and joint military training. Thailand, in contrast, is a long-time strategic ally of the United States and maintains a fleet of American and Swedish-made fighter jets and advanced armoured vehicles. Cambodia's Defence Ministry announced that 13 of its nationals, including eight civilians and five soldiers, have died since the fighting reignited on Thursday, with 71 others injured. Thai officials reported a similar toll: 13 civilian deaths, seven military fatalities, and 33 additional injuries. The death toll has now exceeded that of the last major military standoff between the two countries, which took place between 2008 and 2011. In terms of displacement, Thai authorities estimate over 138,000 people have fled their homes, while more than 35,000 Cambodians have been rendered homeless. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session in New York, Cambodia's ambassador Chhea Keo urged for a swift and unconditional ceasefire, calling for a peaceful solution to the crisis. 'Cambodia seeks an immediate cessation of hostilities, without preconditions, and calls for diplomatic resolution,' he stated. Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa responded by saying talks can only proceed if Cambodia demonstrates 'genuine sincerity' in wanting to end hostilities. Both governments continue to accuse each other of initiating the recent bout of violence. Cambodia further claims that Thailand has employed cluster munitions, while Thailand alleges that Cambodian forces have targeted civilian infrastructure, including a hospital, petrol station, and a 7-Eleven convenience store in Si Sa Ket, the latter of which was reportedly struck by a rocket, resulting in eight civilian deaths. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited displaced residents at a shelter in Ubon Ratchathani, expressing support for those affected. 'The military must complete its mission before any political dialogue can begin,' he told the press. —July 27, 2025 Main image: Al Jazeera
