KUCHING, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Army (TDM) has foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 10 tonnes of frozen meat products worth RM354,320 into Indonesia during an operation in Serikin, Bau yesterday afternoon.
The Risk Branch of the Headquarters of the First Infantry Division said in a statement today that the operation, codenamed Op Keris Parang, was carried out by personnel from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (3 RRD) at about 2.30 pm.
"The operation team intercepted a white lorry travelling from the illegal route at Kampung Sebobok towards the Malaysia-Indonesia border at an oil palm plantation, about 900 metres from the border," the statement said.
It said the seizure comprised 320 cartons of Allana brand frozen meat, 170 cartons of Ayam Madu brand chicken sausages and 21 cartons of Australian E.C. Throsby brand frozen beef tripe, with a total value of RM258,320.
"Inspection found that the lorry, driven by a local man, was carrying 511 cartons of frozen meat products weighing 10,220 kilogrammes. The driver failed to produce valid travel and cargo documents," the statement said.
Also seized were a Mitsubishi Fuso lorry worth RM95,000 and a smartphone valued at RM1,000, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM354,320.
According to the statement, the suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Bau District Police Headquarters (IPD) before the case was taken over by the Bau Division of the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services for further action.
--BERNAMA