Cops bust illegal sand mining activity in Kelantan

KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) of the Royal Malaysian Police has cracked down on illegal sand mining activities in a river near Kampung Pahi, Kuala Krai.
GOF South-East Brigade Commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Kota Baru Land and Mines Office under Ops Taring Wawasan around 4.15pm on Sunday.
He said the inspection found that the activities were carried out by three local men and three Bangladeshis, who failed to show valid permits or documents for sand extraction.
'The police detained and seized all equipment and machinery, such as sand suction vessels, excavators, lorries and other equipment used to move sand estimated at RM2mil.
'The case is being investigated under Section 426 of the National Land Code 1965.
'The suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Kota Baru Land and Mines office for further action,' he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Commenting further, Nik Ros Azhan said the GOF also foiled coconut smuggling activities after detaining a trailer and two lorries in Kampung Terbak, Tumpat, on Sunday.
'The results of the inspection found that three local men were transferring about 45,100kg of coconuts from the trailer to the lorry.
'The men had failed to show purchase documents related to the coconuts.
He added that the estimated value of the seizure is RM1.35mil including vehicles.
The case is also being investigated under the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Act 141, he added.
'The suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Kota Baru Fama office for further action,' he said.

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