A man was arrested after the General Operations Force (PGA) seized 1,400 orchid plants believed to have been smuggled from Thailand for distribution in the East Coast market during a raid in Kampung Lalang Pepuyu on Thursday.
In a broader context, authorities continue to intensify enforcement efforts against cross-border smuggling activities involving agricultural products that may pose biosecurity risks to local plantations.
During the 4pm operation under Op Taring Wawasan, officers from the 8th Battalion PGA Strike Force also confiscated a Toyota Hilux Single Cab, bringing the total value of the seizure to about RM400,000.
Southeast Brigade PGA commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the vehicle, driven by a 20-year-old man, was stopped after officers found it acting suspiciously during routine patrols.
He said checks on the back of the vehicle uncovered 1,400 orchid plants believed to have been illegally brought in from Thailand and suspected to carry pest contamination risks.
The suspect was detained on site before being taken to Komtak Taman Bakti for further action.
The seized items were later handed over to the Department of Agriculture for investigation and enforcement under relevant laws.
Preliminary investigations found the orchids were sourced from a nursery in Kampung Rahmat, Rantau Panjang, before being distributed to markets in Terengganu and Pahang.
The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976.
