BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The General Operations Force (GOF) prevented RM300,000 worth of ketum leaves, from being smuggled out of the country, here.
The GOF Northern Brigade Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Mohd Shahar Ibrahim said the leaves weighing a total of 3,779kg were seized from three locations during their 3-week operation along the Malaysia-Thai border since June 18.
"The seizures were made in Lubuk Sireh, Kampung Kolam and Kampung Melayu near Padang Besar.
"Some of the leaves were found in empty houses used as storage facilities by smugglers before they were transferred across the border through rat lanes" he told a press conference here today.
He said the team also seized motorcycles and cars used to transport the leaves.
Shahar said four local men aged between 20s and 30s, were nabbed for attempting to smuggle the ketum leaves.
He added during the same period, GOF also nabbed 48 illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Cambodia.
Also arrested were three local men who were found involved in smuggling the immigrants.