Operation Taring Wawasan: A Major Blow to Orchid and Bromeliad Smuggling
Smuggling Ring Busted in Kota Bharu
In a significant operation conducted on Saturday, the General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Ab Hamid, announced the arrest of a man suspected of smuggling various types of orchids and bromeliads worth RM2.01 million. The operation, code-named Op Taring Wawasan, was conducted in Kampung Lubok Stol, Pasir Mas, and resulted in the discovery of the ornamental plants believed to have been smuggled from Thailand.
The Arrest
At 9:45 pm on Saturday, the GOF team intercepted a driver who was driving a lorry in a suspicious manner. Upon inspection, it was found that the plants had been brought into the country without valid documentation. The driver, a 35-year-old local man, is believed to have been transporting the plants for the local market. The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167), and the seized items were taken to the Rantau Panjang police station for further action.
Second Smuggling Operation Dismantled
On the same day, the GOF also dismantled a smuggling operation involving various ornamental plants, including the Citharexylum Spinosum and Juniperus Chinensis species, believed to have been smuggled from Thailand, in Kampung Kubang Rambutan, Rantau Panjang. At about 8 pm, the team intercepted a lorry driven by a 32-year-old local man. Upon inspection, various types of ornamental plants, estimated to be worth RM510,000, were found to have been brought into the country without valid documentation for the local market. The case is being investigated under Section 5 of Act 167, and the suspect, along with the seized items, were taken to the Rantau Panjang police station for further action.
GOF’s Commitment to Preventing Smuggling
Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Ab Hamid stressed that the GOF will continue to intensify efforts to prevent smuggling activities from spreading at the country’s borders. The GOF is committed to protecting the country’s borders and preventing the illegal trade of plants and other goods.
Conclusion
The Operation Taring Wawasan has dealt a significant blow to the smuggling of orchids and bromeliads in Malaysia. The arrest of the two suspects and the seizure of the smuggled plants are a testament to the GOF’s commitment to protecting the country’s borders and preventing illegal activities. The GOF will continue to work tirelessly to prevent smuggling and protect the country’s interests.
FAQs
- What was the estimated value of the smuggled orchids and bromeliads?
- RM2.01 million
- Where were the smuggled plants discovered?
- Kampung Lubok Stol, Pasir Mas
- How many people were arrested in connection with the smuggling operation?
- 2
- What is the estimated value of the second smuggling operation?
- RM510,000