by Theleaders-Online | January 13, 2020 8:59 am
BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM) in Kedah seized 530 kg of ketum leaves worth RM26,000 in a raid at a rubber plantation in Kampung Padang Durian near Pendang yesterday afternoon.
Its operations commander Abdul Latif Abdul Rahman said the 6.30 pm raid was conducted based on public tip-offs that ketum leaves were being packed in a hut located at a rubber plantation.
He said 55 black plastic bags containing ketum leaves packed in transparent packages were found around the hut as well as in a pick-up truck nearby.
“All the seized ketum leaves were believed to be for smuggling into a neighboring country via the east coast as it is deemed to be easier than from Bukit Kayu Hitam, which has a sophisticated complex,” he told reporters here today.
Abdul Latif said the high demand for ketum in Thailand, as well as its skyrocketing price, is believed to be the major reason why the leaves are being smuggled there.
The case is being investigated under Section 30 (1) of the Poisons Act 1952 with a possible fine of up to RM10,000 or four years imprisonment upon conviction.
Meanwhile, Abdul Latif said AKSEM will continue to tighten controls and inspections to curb the smuggling of firecrackers and fireworks in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
“Thus far no reports have been received, but we are constantly on the alert and have increased our intelligence to curb the smuggling in of firecrackers and fireworks ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration,” he said.
Bernama
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