{
  "id": 16986472,
  "title": "25 tonnes of suspected Thai smuggled rice seized in Kelantan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/25-tonnes-of-suspected-thai-smuggled-rice-seized-in-kelantan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T00:36:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1565903/25-tonnes-suspected-thai-smuggled-rice-seized-kelantan"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the early hours of Tuesday night, the General Operations Force (GOF) made a significant seizure of 25 tonnes of white rice suspected to have been smuggled from Thailand near Paloh in Kelantan. The operation was carried out by the Southeast Brigade Commander's special team under Operation Taring Wawasan. The lorry stopped at 11pm and upon inspection, it was revealed that the vehicle was carrying rice suspected to be smuggled from Thailand. The lorry driver presented two invoices to provide information about the source and destination of the rice shipment. However, discrepancies arose regarding the delivery location mentioned on the invoices, casting doubt on their authenticity.\n\nThe 38-year-old driver was subsequently arrested, and the entire lorry along with its 25,000kg cargo of rice was seized for further investigation. The estimated total value of the seized assets amounted to RM550,000. Authorities suspect that the modus operandi involved the use of fake intermediary invoices to deceive inspectors and legitimize the shipment. Preliminary checks revealed inaccuracies in the delivery location stated on the invoices, leading investigators to suspect that the documents were being manipulated to mislead authorities about the true source and destination of the rice consignment.\n\nInformation gathered from the arrest will be utilized to trace the source of supply, individuals involved in creating the fraudulent documents, transporters, recipients, and the distribution network for the smuggled rice believed to originate from Thailand. The case will be investigated under Section 20 of the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.",
  "summary": "GUA MUSANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized 25 tonnes of white rice suspected to have been smuggled from Thailand along Jalan Bentong-Kota Bharu near Paloh here on Tuesday night.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Rice smuggling bid foiled in Gua Musang: 25 tonnes of Thai rice seized, driver held over dubious invoices",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/rice-smuggling-bid-foiled-in-gua-musang-25-tonnes-of-thai-rice-seized",
        "published": "2026-10-29T01:07:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Khaosod English",
        "title": "Foreign duo win hearts after helping Thai driver in Phuket",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/foreign-duo-win-hearts-after-helping-thai-driver-in-phuket",
        "published": "2026-10-29T03:27:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}