Rantau panjang: A total of 70 sacks of ball firecrackers worth about RM89,000, including a vehicle, were seized by a team of the General Operations Force (GOF) 8th Battalion during Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan at an illegal crossing near Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, GOF Southeast Brigade commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, stated that the seizure occurred at 1.30 pm after his team noticed a vehicle in a suspicious condition.

"The suspect who was driving the vehicle fled on a boat towards Thailand as soon as he realised the police presence," he reported.

Datuk Nik Ros Azhan added that a further inspection of the vehicle revealed 70 sacks containing firecrackers believed to be intended for the local market.

He confirmed that all the seized items have been handed over to the Pasir Mas district police headquarters for further action. The case is currently under investigation under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.