The General Operations Force (PGA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 24,000 oil palm seeds worth approximately RM96,000 into Thailand during an operation near the illegal Tebu crossing in Kampung Lubok Gong, Pasir Mas.
Southeast Brigade commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the seizure was made at about 8.30am under Ops Taring Wawasan, carried out by a team from the PGA 7th Battalion.
He said officers stopped a suspicious Proton Iswara Aeroback driven by a local man before carrying out an inspection on the vehicle.
The search uncovered 24,000 oil palm seeds believed to be intended for illegal smuggling into Thailand. The suspect was unable to produce any valid documents for the consignment and was detained for further investigation.
Police also seized the Proton Iswara Aeroback, bringing the estimated total value of the seizure, including the vehicle, to around RM100,000.
Initial investigations found that the suspect was allegedly acting as a transporter and had been promised RM150 to deliver the oil palm seeds across the border through the illegal Lubok Gong crossing.
The case has been handed over to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) in Kota Bharu for further investigation under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board Act 1998 and the relevant licensing regulations.
The successful operation highlights ongoing enforcement efforts by authorities to curb cross-border smuggling activities and safeguard the country’s agricultural resources.
