Latest news with #RosAzhan
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes six protected species of birds in raid on shop
RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized six birds of the 'Murai Batu' (White-rumped Shama) and 'Dendang Selayang' (Black-naped Oriole) species in a raid at a shop in Kampung Bukit Tandak, here, yesterday. GOF Southeast Brigade GOF Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said the birds were seized during Op Taring Wawasan carried out at noon. "During the raid, the GOF personnel discovered 22,000 sticks of white cigarettes hidden in a toilet of the premises. "Upon further inspection outside the premises, they found five 'Murai Batu' birds and one 'Dendang Selayang', both protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. "A 44-year-old local man, believed to be the caretaker of the premises, was detained. The birds as well as the cigarettes, believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country, were seized," he said today. Ros Azhan said the estimated total seizure value was RM56,000. "The case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of Pasir Mas district police station and the state Wildlife department for further action," he added. The case is being investigated under Section 135(e) of the Customs Act 1967 and Schedules (1) and (2) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes over RM1mil in illegal gold mining equipment in Kelantan
GUA MUSANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized illegal gold mining equipment worth more than RM1 million during a raid here yesterday. However, no arrests were made during the operation at an illegal mining site in Kampung Pulai. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said the raid was carried out jointly by its Eighth Battalion and the Kelantan Mineral and Geoscience Department. "The team raided the area at about 11am and discovered a suspicious tent located among oil palm trees. "After waiting for nearly an hour and with no one coming forward, they proceeded to seize the equipment, believed to have been used for illegal gold mining activities," he said today. Ros Azhan said the seized items included three excavators, water suction pumps and sluice boxes (palong). He said that initial investigations revealed the illegal mining operation had been running for about six months. All seized items were handed over to the Kelantan Land and Mines Office for further investigation. "The Land and Mines Office will also trace the owners of the excavators for possible fines," he added. The case is being investigated under Section 137(1)(b) of the Kelantan Mineral Enactment 2001.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes RM595,000 worth of pork carcasses and lorry in Kelantan
RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized 8,910kg of pork carcasses and a lorry, both valued at about RM595,000, in an operation here on June 19. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said a lorry driver and his assistant were also arrested for possessing the carcasses, which were believed to have been smuggled from Thailand. He said the GOF team from the Ninth Battalion stopped the suspected lorry as it passed through Kampung Bukit Tandak at about 4pm. "Upon inspecting the lorry, GOF personnel found 8,910kg of pork carcasses in the rear of the vehicle. "The driver failed to produce valid documentation for the goods, which are believed to have been smuggled in from Thailand," he said today. Ros Azhan said the 37-year-old driver and his 43-year-old assistant were believed to be delivering the meat to the local market. "The total seizure, including the lorry, is estimated to be worth about RM595,000 and has been handed over to the Kelantan Veterinary Department for further action," he added. The case is being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Animals Act 1953. Separately, he said a 24-year-old man was arrested for selling ketum leaves and ketum juice at a house in Jalan Kedai Lama here today. "In the 10.30am raid, GOF personnel found 9kg of ketum leaves, 12 packets of ketum juice, and RM2,500 in cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal activity," he said. He added that the total seizure was estimated at RM3,220 and the case has been handed over to the Pasir Mas Narcotics Crime Investigation Division for further action. "The suspect also tested positive for Benzodiazepines. The case is being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," he added.
New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF seizures soar to RM172mil with 878 arrests
KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) recorded seizures worth over RM172 million in the first six months of this year, a fivefold increase compared to RM34 million during the same period last year. Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the seizures were linked to a total of 937 cases, which also saw the arrest of 878 individuals, including 813 men. "The majority of the smuggling activities detected involved subsidised goods such as cooking oil, petrol, and diesel, with 181 cases recorded. "Smuggling of grocery items, seedlings, rice, and livestock were among the most common offences," he said when contacted today. Ros Azhan said the GOF continues to tighten border security to curb ongoing smuggling activities. "Compared to last year, there has been a significant increase in the value of seized goods, indicating that smugglers remain persistent despite heightened enforcement efforts. "Although tackling smuggling is challenging and perpetrators are constantly finding new ways to bypass security, "I want to remind them that firm action will be taken against anyone caught committing cross-border crimes," he said.
New Straits Times
23-06-2025
- New Straits Times
GOF seizes Thai saplings, lorry worth RM400,000 over disease fears
RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) has seized 10,000 plant saplings and a lorry worth about RM400,000 over concerns the plants may carry harmful disease. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said a 34-year-old lorry driver was also arrested during the operation. A GOF team from the Ninth Battalion stopped the lorry near the Gual Tinggi health clinic around 11am, he said. "After checking the vehicle, they found 5,000 Barbados cherry saplings and 5,000 clove flower saplings inside it. "The GOF personnel believe the plants may be infested with harmful pests and disease. "They then detained the lorry driver and confiscated the plant saplings. The value of the seizure, including the lorry, is RM400,000," he added. Ros Azhan said initial investigations showed the saplings were headed to a local nursery. In a separate operation, the GOF seized various types of cosmetic products, estimated to be worth RM28,000, at an illegal jetty in Tumpat on Sunday. The suspected smugglers, however, fled to Thailand by boat upon realising the presence of the GOF team.
