KOTA KINABALU: A recent sting operation carried out by General Operations Force (GOF) personnel in the Beluran district resulted in the seizure of 2,700 boxes of illegally imported frozen chicken thighs from the US. The operation, which took place on Saturday (July 15), was conducted by the intelligence and risk task force from the Beluran GOF 20th Battalion. The intercepted chicken parts, valued at over RM500,000, were being transported in two lorries at Mile 4 off Jalan Telupid near Kampung Telupid when they were apprehended at 3.35am.
The task force also detained three men involved in the transportation, including the two lorry drivers. Sabah GOF Brigade Commander Senior Asst Comm Abdul Rani Alias disclosed that the individuals, aged 25 and 33, failed to produce any permit to carry wet items. Furthermore, they were unable to furnish any license to import animal products.
“A further check revealed that the halal logo on the boxes raised suspicion due to the absence of halal certificates,” said SAC Abdul Rani when contacted. The total value of the seized items, including the frozen chicken thighs estimated at RM540,000 and the lorries valued at around RM200,000, amounted to about RM740,000.
The detainees and the confiscated items were subsequently taken to the Telupid police station for the necessary processing of a police report. From there, custody of the individuals and items was transferred to the Department of Veterinary Services and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) Sandakan office for further action,” according to SAC Abdul Rani.
He further noted that the case is currently under investigation in accordance with Sabah’s Animal Welfare Enactment of 2015.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
