Pasir Mas: The Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) has successfully busted attempts to smuggle ornamental plants with an estimated seizure worth RM4.3 million after detaining two lorries in two separate raids in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas last Saturday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid reported that the first seizure occurred at 11 am. A 41-year-old man, believed to be transporting the plants to Melaka, was apprehended in Kampung Kedap, Rantau Panjang, through Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan. The inspection revealed more than 4,700 puding plants, 800 Masjutik Batik plants, 1,000 Masjutik Hijau plants, 1,000 Thong Urai plants, 500 Olandor plants, and 1,200 Sandpaper plants, with an estimated seizure, including a lorry, worth RM1.8 million.

Datuk Nik Ros Azhan further stated that on the same day at 9.15 pm, another arrest was made. A 33-year-old man was apprehended near Gual Tinggi, suspected of being the transporter of plants to Jerantut, Pahang. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 5,000 Keruing saplings, with an estimated haul, including a lorry, worth RM2.5 million.

The commander explained that all the seized plants are believed to have been smuggled from Thailand and are suspected of carrying pests and diseases. The case is under investigation under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167). The suspects and the confiscated items were taken to the Rantau Panjang police station for further action.