RANTAU PANJANG: Authorities have detained 63 men and two women on suspicion of smuggling since Aug 16, when Ops Benteng was carried out along the Malaysia-Thai border.

       The Eighth Battalion of the General Operations Force (PGA8) commander, Supt Mat Shukor Yusof, said 42 vehicles of various types were also seized in the operation, during which 64 cases were recorded that involved seizures worth RM3.09 million.

       “We found a hike in cases of livestock smuggling such as cows and animals that are kept as pets, like birds, chickens and puppies of breed or species that are hard to find in the country.

       “The animals intended as pets are expensive, difficult to obtain and have their own following in the country, hence the smuggling,” he told a media conference at Martek PGA Lubok Setol here today.

       He said the latest case was recorded on Sept 5 when the PGA8 team seized nine birds and 73 chickens of high-quality breed near Pasir Mas.

       The birds are said to be priced at RM1,500 each, while the chickens can fetch up to RM5,000 each, he said, adding that the animals were handed to the Veterinary Services Department for further investigation under Section 36 (1) of the Animals Act 1953

       Supt Mat Shukor said the team also seized 13 cows and lorries worth RM271,500 in a raid near Kampung Mentua, Tumpat, on Aug 30.

       The cows were seized as their documents were dubious, he added. — Bernama