Latest news with #NikAbHamid
Barnama
5 days ago
- Barnama
GOF Detects Over 100 Illegal Bases; Monitoring Hindered By Terrain, Settlements
KOTA BHARU, July 17 (Bernama) -- More than 100 illegal bases detected still exist along the Kelantan-Thailand border despite intensified enforcement and the closure of illegal routes since December last year, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the country's border security. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the illegal bases are located in the districts of Tumpat, Pasir Mas and Tanah Merah, which serve as key routes for unauthorised cross-border activities. 'The terrain and the proximity of these illegal bases to public settlements make continuous monitoring challenging,' he told Bernama recently. He said that between Jan 1 and July 14 this year, 71 individuals were arrested for illegally crossing the border via Sungai Golok. The group comprised 54 men and 17 women from Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan and Myanmar. All arrests were made under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, involving 42 Malaysians, 26 Thais, two Pakistanis and one Myanmar national. Nik Ros Azhan said most of the arrests took place along the banks of Sungai Golok, which was previously the main route for residents on both sides of the border. 'Although the closure order was issued some time ago, there are still individuals who try to take advantage of these illegal routes without considering the security and legal risks," he said. He added that some of those detained claimed they only intended to cross briefly to shop, visit relatives, or for leisure, while others were seeking employment in informal sectors such as construction, plantations, and restaurants. In addition, some arrests were related to the smuggling of subsidised goods.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
Cow sheds used as drug transit points in Kelantan, owners at risk
PASIR MAS: Cow sheds along the Kelantan-Thailand border have become transit points for drug syndicates, putting owners at risk of unwittingly aiding criminal networks. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid confirmed intelligence reports indicate drugs are smuggled alongside livestock using these sheds' logistics. 'Owners risk becoming middlemen, either willingly for profit or through syndicate coercion,' he said. Sheds in Kampung Tualang, Simpangan, Kampung Kubang Pak Itam, Jeram Perdah, and Tok Deh are suspected to be used for smuggling. Recent raids by Bukit Aman Narcotics CID and Kelantan police seized 35.4kg of amphetamine pills worth RM5 million. In one case, 20kg of drugs were hidden in cow dung at a Pasir Mas shed. Livestock smuggling has also surged, with 34 cases and 818 animals seized this year. GOF found ropes, dung, and hoofprints near illegal crossings, suggesting cattle are herded to sheds before transport. Nik Ros Azhan warned that shed owners complicit in drug smuggling will face strict action. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Barnama
Cow Sheds Turned Into Drug Transit Points, Owners Face Risks
PASIR MAS, July 16 (Bernama) -- Cow sheds are now believed to be used as transit points by drug syndicates operating along the Kelantan-Thailand border, exposing shed owners to the risk of being made middlemen for these networks. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid stated that although there has been no evidence of direct involvement by the owners, intelligence reports suggest that drugs are being smuggled alongside cattle or goats using the sheds' logistics network. 'We warn cattle shed owners near the border that they risk becoming middlemen — either willingly, due to the lure of huge profits, or through coercion by the syndicates. 'The syndicates are believed to be using sheds in areas such as Kampung Tualang and Simpangan in Tumpat, as well as Kampung Kubang Pak Itam, Jeram Perdah and Tok Deh in Pasir Mas,' he told Bernama recently. Recently, the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, together with Kelantan police, seized 35.4 kilogrammes of 'pil kuda' (amphetamine pills) worth more than RM5 million in six raids conducted in Pasir Mas and Tumpat. In one of the raids, 20 kilogrammes of drugs were found hidden in cow dung in a shed owned by a suspect in Banggol Chica, Pasir Mas. Nik Ros Azhan said that in the first six months of this year, the GOF recorded 34 cases of livestock smuggling with 39 arrests, involving 818 animals — 274 cattle, 18 buffaloes and 526 sheep and goats. In 2024, the GOF recorded 47 cases with 56 individuals arrested and 80,755 animals seized, comprising 80,025 chickens, 385 cows, 340 sheep and goats, and five buffaloes. 'GOF inspections at several illegal crossings also uncovered ropes tied to tree trunks used for securing cattle, along with traces of dung and hoofprints along the riverbanks.
The Star
13-07-2025
- The Star
GOF busts smuggling syndicate, seizes 1.15 million illicit ciggies
KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade crippled a cigarette smuggling syndicate in a raid under Op Taring Alpha 1 at a quarry area in Mukim Jerus, Bukit Jawa, Pasir Puteh last Friday (July 11). GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the 6.30am raid led to the discovery of 1.15 million white cigarettes of the 'John JDB' and 'SAAT' brands, believed to have been smuggled for the local market. He said the cigarettes were found inside a vehicle and a container at the raid location, with the total value of the seizure - including the vehicle and container, estimated at RM2.215mil. "An Indonesian man was also arrested after he was found hiding in a cabin near the raid site. He did not possess any valid identification documents. "All seized items, along with the suspect, have been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Pasir Puteh district police headquarters for further action,' he said in a statement on Sunday (July 13). Nik Ros Azhan said the case was being investigated under Section 135(d) of the Customs Act 1967 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.- Bernama
The Sun
10-07-2025
- The Sun
GOF seizes RM8.8m worth of illegal vapes in Kelantan
KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion 7 intercepted a large shipment of illegal electronic cigarette devices in Kampung Gelang Mas, Pasir Mas. Authorities seized 57,780 vape units suspected of violating Malaysian safety standards. The operation unfolded after GOF personnel noticed a suspiciously parked lorry along the roadside. Upon inspection, officers discovered boxes wrapped in yellow plastic containing vape devices lacking the mandatory MS SIRIM certification. GOF Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid confirmed the arrest of two local men, aged 22 and 40, believed to be couriers distributing the illegal products. The total seizure, including the lorry, is valued at RM8.8 million. The case has been transferred to the Pasir Mas Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for further investigation. Authorities are probing the matter under Section 4(2) of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Devices) Order 2022. Nik Ros Azhan reiterated GOF's commitment to tightening border security to curb smuggling and the trade of hazardous goods. 'We remain vigilant against activities that endanger public health and safety,' he stated. – Bernama
