An attempt to illegally transport 2,400 saplings of various plant species using a lorry from a neighbouring country was foiled by the General Operations Force (PGA) in Jalan Lubok Gong to Terusan, yesterday afternoon.
The driver, a 33-year-old man, was detained and the lorry along with the plant consignments were seized during Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan at about 4.30pm.
Brigadier General of PGA Eastern Brigade, Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain, said the seizure is estimated to be worth RM375,000.
He said among the seized plants were ciku, lantana, dokong, bidara, ciku mega, coconut, jambu madu and tampoi.
Acting on intelligence, officers spotted a suspicious white lorry during patrols and proceeded to stop the vehicle for inspection.
A body search on the driver did not reveal any illegal items, however further inspection of the lorry uncovered numerous saplings believed to have been smuggled from Thailand.
Authorities also suspected the plants may have contained pest infestations.
The driver was detained under Section 28A of the Criminal Procedure Code, and the case was taken to Komtak Taman Bakti for further action.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the saplings were collected from Rantau Panjang and were being transported to Muar, Johor.
The case has been handed over to the Kota Bharu Department of Agriculture for investigation under the Plant Quarantine Act 1976.
Authorities said monitoring along the border will continue to be intensified to prevent further smuggling activities.
