Latest news with #NikRosAzhanNikAbdHamid
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Cannabis smuggled in sarong boxes seized
PASIR MAS: An attempt by a drug smuggler to evade authorities by concealing 22.5kg of cannabis in boxes typically used to pack sarongs was foiled by the General Operations Force (GOF) in an early morning operation today. Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid confirmed the case, saying the drugs, worth an estimated RM810,000, were discovered during a routine patrol by a team from the GOF's Ninth Battalion. However, no arrests were made in the 6.20am operation, which took place in Rantau Panjang. He said GOF personnel were conducting their regular rounds when they spotted a black Proton Wira Aeroback driven by a man acting suspiciously and heading towards Customs Gate 2. "When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off but later pulled over at the roadside near the Banggol Kulim traffic light in Rantau Panjang. "The driver then abandoned the car and fled the scene on foot," he said. Upon inspecting the vehicle, he said GOF personnel found 22.5kg of cannabis concealed in the rear passenger seat. "The drugs were packed in 45 small boxes commonly used for sarongs." He said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction. It is learnt that the cannabis, smuggled from a neighbouring country, is priced at about RM36,000 on the Malaysian market.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
GOF commander vows stern action over border misconduct
KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) takes any misconduct or abuse of power by its personnel stationed under Op Taring Wawasan along the Kelantan–Thailand border very seriously. GOF Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said he was committed to ensuring that no GOF personnel deployed at the border were involved in any immoral or illegal activities. "I will not hesitate to take firm action against any personnel found to be involved, including those suspected of colluding with smugglers," he said. Nik Ros Azhan also called on residents living along the border to assist the authorities by providing information if they witnessed any GOF officers or personnel engaging in misconduct such as corruption or smuggling. "Public cooperation is vital in upholding the integrity of our enforcement operations," he added. Meanwhile, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that the police had received information regarding alleged misconduct involving border enforcement officers. "I can confirm that I have received reports of possible misconduct involving enforcement personnel linked to smuggling activities, including the smuggling of livestock," he said. He added that the matter was currently under investigation and that a special task force has been established to probe any potential wrongdoing or irregularities related to the case.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- New Straits Times
4 arrested for illegal entry at Malaysia–Thailand border
Previous Next RANTAU PANJANG: Four individuals, including three foreigners, were arrested by the General Operations Force (GOF) for entering Malaysia via an illegal route here yesterday. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said they were arrested at the Tok Awang Belulang illegal jetty at about 3.15pm. He said the four, comprising two men and two women, were detained by GOF personnel from the 18th Battalion during a routine patrol under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan. "The boat operator fled upon realising the presence of police, abandoning the passengers at the riverbank. "The group comprised a local man and three foreigners," he said. Ros Azhan said an initial investigation showed that the 30-year-old Malaysian man is believed to have acted as a facilitator for the other three individuals, all of whom are Thai nationals. "The foreigners were found to have entered the country through an illegal route without proper documents," he said. The local suspect was detained under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, while the Thai nationals were held under Section 6(1) of the same Act. He said all four were taken to the Pasir Mas district police station for further action. "Two of the male suspects also tested positive for methamphetamine," he said. Nik Ros Azhan said enforcement efforts at the border have been intensified since Dec 1 last year, following a police-enforced ban on border crossings in a bid to curb smuggling, human trafficking, and drug-related activities along the Malaysia-Thailand border. "The GOF remains committed to cracking down on cross-border crimes and will continue to strengthen its presence to safeguard national security," he said.
