Nation

'Part-time' smugglers in Kelantan nabbed, firecrackers and fireworks seized

RANTAU PANJANG: 12 people suspected of being part-time smugglers were arrested in possession of firecrackers and fireworks worth more than RM600,000 recently.

The 12 men, all locals, were detained in a series of Ops Benteng raids carried out by the General Operations Force (GOF).

GOF Seventh Battalion commanding officer Superintendent Azhari Nusi said the men were nabbed since the battalion took over the border on April 16.

"They were detained at several locations along the border mostly in Jeram Perdah, here and Kuala Jambu in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat.

"They were called part-time smugglers as they are only active in bringing in smuggled fireworks and firecrackers during the festive season," he told a press conference here today.

Apart from the banned items, Azhari said the battalion also seized ketum leaves, cough mixture, contraband and subsidised items worth more than RM1 million.

"Besides that, we also seized exotic animals and cattle, which were all smuggled in from a neighbouring country.

"A total of 43 people were detained on possession of ketum leaves, cough mixture, contraband and subsidised items as well as for smuggling cattle and exotic animals."

He added the battalion has identified two illegal jetties namely Jitong and Lubok Jong, often used by smugglers to bring in illegal items.

Later, Azhari spent about 30 minutes inspecting another two illegal jetties here known by locals as the MCA and Syed Agil jetties.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories