The General Operations Force (GOF) seized 24,000 oil palm seeds believed to have been smuggled into Thailand through an illegal jetty at Kampung Lubok Gong here this morning.
The seizure, involving an estimated value of RM96,000, was carried out by the GOF Southeast Brigade’s Battalion 7 in collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) under Op TaringWawasan at about 8.30am.
Southeast Brigade GOF commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the team detected a suspicious vehicle during a patrol near the illegal jetty area.
He said officers stopped the car and found 24,000 oil palm seeds inside the vehicle, while the driver failed to provide any supporting documents for the items.
“Following the discovery, the seeds and the vehicle were seized, while the 41-year-old driver was arrested.
“The total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, is estimated at RM100,000,” he said.
Ahmad Radzi said initial investigations found that the seeds were allegedly being transported into Thailand through the illegal Tebu jetty.
He added that the suspect was believed to have communicated with a woman in Thailand and was paid RM150 as a transporter for the delivery.
The seized items have been referred to MPOB Kota Bharu for further investigation under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Act 1998, specifically Regulation 5(1)(b) of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (Licensing) Regulations 2005.
