Kelantan police believe drug traffickers may be using a bizarre new method to smuggle narcotics across the border — by hiding them inside live cattle and goats.
According to state police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, suspicions were raised after reports of livestock showing unusual behaviour during quarantine. The animals, imported legally from a neighbouring country, were allegedly not being fed by their handlers.
“Normally, livestock are given food. But in these cases, the owners seemed afraid the animals might excrete something they shouldn’t — namely, hidden drugs,” he said during a press conference.
Police suspect that these handlers are working with drug syndicates and intentionally starving the animals to prevent the drugs from being flushed out.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities now working alongside the Veterinary Services Department to dig deeper into the allegations.
Mohd Yusoff also revealed that numerous illegal livestock enclosures have been discovered along the Kelantan-Thai border, especially in areas like Pasir Mas and Tanah Merah. With 91km of the 136km border consisting of river terrain — much of it narrow and shallow — smuggling livestock undetected is worryingly feasible.
While no solid proof has yet emerged, the police have stepped up monitoring in over 10 key hotspots. Enforcement has been tightened, and the possibility of animals being used as “drug mules” remains under close watch.
“This method may be unconventional, but we’re not ruling anything out,” said Mohd Yusoff. “We’re keeping our eyes wide open — and our noses, too.”
