12-05-2025
RM5.5mil worth of plants and vehicle seized
KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) has seized various ornamental plants believed to have been smuggled from Thailand in Kampung Lalang Pepuyu, Tanah Merah.
GOF South-East Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said its 9th Battalion confiscated the items from a lorry at 4.15pm last Friday during Ops Taring Wawasan Kelantan.
'Inspection of the lorry uncovered a landscape plant of the Eugenia species, 1,500 climbing plants and 2,000 bucida plants. The seized items, including the vehicle, are worth about RM5.5mil,' he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Nik Ros Azhan said the 26-year-old lorry driver was also detained after the man failed to produce any documents related to the plants.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976.
'The suspect and seized items were handed over to the Kelantan Agriculture Department for further action,' he added.
In a separate case, the GOF's 8th Battalion, in collaboration with the Kota Baru Municipal Council, foiled the sale of unlicensed electronic cigarettes at a premise on Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab at 5.15pm on Saturday.
'A 36-year-old man was found on the premise and checks uncovered 4,064 units of vape liquids and devices without valid documentation. The seizure is valued at about RM284,000,' Nik Ros Azhan said.
