Latest news with #Zulafendy
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Marine police intercept lorry with 1.1 tonnes of Thai rice; driver flees scene
KOTA BARU: A man suspected of smuggling Thai rice sped off in his lorry when he realised he was being tailed by the authorities along Jalan Kota Baru-Pasir Puteh yesterday. In the 11am incident, the lorry driven by the suspect was spotted by a team from Region Three marine police intelligence unit in Pengkalan Kubor, during Op Taring Landai/Kontraban. Region Three marine police commander Assistant Commissioner Zulafendy Hassan said intelligence gathering had been ongoing for a week before they acted on the tip-off. "Upon noticing our presence, the driver accelerated before pulling over by the roadside in Kampung Mahligai, Bachok. "He then exited the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes. Our team gave chase but he managed to escape. "Checks of the lorry uncovered 44 sacks of Thai rice, weighing a total of 1.1 tonnes and worth an estimated RM4,400," he said in a statement. Zulafendy said the rice had been brought in from Thailand via Sungai Golok in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, and was believed to be intended for distribution in southern Kelantan and Pasir Puteh. He said the total seizure, including the lorry, was estimated at RM84,400. The rice, he said, was later handed over to Agriculture and Food Security Ministry for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994 which carries a maximum fine of RM25,000.
The Star
06-05-2025
- The Star
Cops seize cigarettes worth over RM690,000 in Kelantan
KOTA BHARU:The Region Three Marine Police Force (PPM) seized 350,000 sticks of white cigarettes believed to have been smuggled during a special operation on the banks of Sungai Mak Neralang on Monday (May 5). Commander ACP Zulafendy Hassan said the seizure took place at 1.30 am when a team of officers and personnel from the PPM Pengkalan Kubor operations headquarters was conducting Op Taring Landai/Op Khas Kontraban Series 55/2025 in the area. He said the team spotted several individuals acting suspiciously near the riverbank and rushed to the location, but the suspects managed to escape. "An inspection at the site uncovered several piles of black plastic bags containing cartons of white cigarettes, all without valid import permits,' he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 6). He added that the seized items, including unpaid taxes, are estimated to be worth RM693,000 and are believed to have been smuggled in for distribution on the local market. Zulafendy said that after waiting for about 30 minutes at the scene, no individual came forward to claim ownership of the contraband. As a result, all seized items were transported to the PPM Pengkalan Kubor operations headquarters for further action. "The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 and has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Division at the Tumpat district police headquarters,' he said. He added that PPM Region Three remains committed to combating cross-border crimes that threaten the country's economic stability. He also urged the public to report any information related to smuggling activities by contacting 09-513 7726 or emailing gerakanw3@ The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential. - Bernama
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Smugglers flee as marine police seize RM693,000 in illicit cigarettes
TUMPAT: The marine police seized 350,000 sticks of illicit cigarettes worth approximately RM693,000 in a raid here yesterday. Marine Police Third Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Zulafendy Hassan, said the seizure was made near the Mak Neralang river in Kok Keli. A marine team was conducting its Op Taring Landai in the area when they spotted several individuals behaving suspiciously near the riverbank, he said. "The team was passing through the area at about 1.30am when they noticed the group. However, the men fled the scene upon seeing the officers approaching the riverbank. "After searching the area, the marine team discovered a pile of black plastic bags containing boxes of white cigarettes. "The 350,000 sticks of cigarettes are believed to have been smuggled in from a neighbouring country," he said in a statement. He added that the seized items were later brought back to the marine police operations base in Pengkalan Kubor for further action. The case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Division of the Tumpat police. It is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967. Zulafendy also said that the marine police would continue efforts to combat cross-border crime, which threatens the nation's economic stability. Members of the public with any information regarding cross-border criminal activities are urged to contact 09-513 7726 or email gerakanw3@
