adminKOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized 65 goats believed to have been smuggled from Thailand via the Golok River in Pangkalan Haram, during an operation in Kampung Kok Bedullah, Tumpat early this morning.
In the operation at about 1am, PGA also seized a red Isuzu lorry, bringing the total value of the seizure to an estimated RM138,750.
PGA Southeast Brigade Commander Datuk Ahmad Radzi Hussain said two men, aged 22 and 28, who were in the lorry, were also detained for further investigation.
He said an inspection found that the lorry was carrying dozens of goats, but the driver failed to produce the written permission and veterinary health certificate required for the transfer of livestock.
“The inspection was carried out after members patrolling around the Pengkalan Kubor area spotted a lorry in a suspicious condition from the direction of Kampung Neting towards Kampung Kok Bedullah.
“The two men claimed that the goats in question were brought in from Thailand via the river and would be sent to a barn in Kampung Kok Bedullah before being handed over to the buyer,” he said in a statement today.
He said they also claimed that the activity was carried out about once a week, depending on buyer demand.
Ahmad Radzi said the case has been handed over to the Kelantan State Veterinary Services Department for investigation and further action in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Animals Act 1953.
He said the PGA would continue to intensify monitoring to combat smuggling and evasion activities along the country’s borders.
— BERNAMA
