RM1m haul as GOF intercepts 15,000 coffee seedlings at Tanah Merah roadblock

Kota Bharu, Sept 27 — The General Operations Force (GOF) made a significant seizure last night, intercepting 15,000 robusta coffee seedlings and a lorry valued at RM1 million during a roadblock in Lalang Pepuyu, Tanah Merah. SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain, commander of GOF Southeast Brigade, revealed that a 27-year-old driver was apprehended as part of the operation, which took place at 11.30pm.

The lorry, carrying the estimated RM1 million worth of contraband, was found to be harboring 15,000 robusta coffee seedlings reportedly smuggled from Thailand.

The total value of the haul was calculated at RM1 million, accounting for the lorry's worth of RM250,000 and the coffee seedlings valued at RM750,000. According to a statement released today, preliminary investigation suggested the driver had collected the seedlings from an illicit jetty in Lalang Pepuyu to deliver them to a nursery in Johor for RM300 per delivery. All the seedlings have been turned over to the Kota Bharu Agriculture Department for further examination, as they are suspected to contain pests.

Ahmad Radzi indicated that the seedlings will undergo inspection before being disposed of, with potential fines imposed if the suspected pest-related offence is confirmed. The case is currently under investigation in accordance with the Plant Quarantine Act 1976 (Act 167).