PASIR MAS: Police seized various types of firecrackers and fireworks valued about RM20,000 here this morning.
However, no one was arrested in the operation at Jalan Kampung Chicha Tinggi.
Pasir Mas police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nasaruddin Md Nasir said a police patrol was on its routine surveillance at the Rantau Panjang-Pasir Mas highway when they spotted a car passing the area about 9am.
"They ordered the car driver to stop his vehicle, instead of stopping, he sped off.
"After being chased several kilometres, the driver abandoned the car and escaped on foot.
"Upon checking the vehicle, they found several boxes containing various types of fireworks and firecrackers," he said in a statement.
He added the car, valued at about RM9,000, was also seized.
Nasaruddin said initial investigation showed that firecrackers and fireworks were smuggled from Thailand via the many illegal jetties dotted along the border.
"Police suspect the items were for local distribution in conjunction with the upcoming festival," he said.