RANTAU PANJANG: The General Operations Force seized various types of smuggled ornamental plants including orchids, valued at more than RM2.5 million in two separate operations here last night.
Two men were detained for possession of the plants in the operations, said GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Abdul Hamid.
He added the operations were carried out at Kampung Lubok Setol and Kampung Kubang Rambutan.
In the first operation at Kampung Lubok Setol, GOF personnel detained a lorry and seized orchids and ornamental plants worth about RM2 million.
"The GOF personnel spotted a suspicious lorry when it passed the area about 9.45pm.
"After checking, they found the ornamental plants of orchid and Bromeliad types and detained the 36-year-old driver," he added.
Earlier, he said a 32-year-old lorry driver was detained for possession of various types of ornamental plants worth about RM500,000.
"The suspect was passing Kampung Kubang Rambutan when he was arrested about 8pm," he added.
He said the initial investigation showed that the lorry drivers were hired by individuals to send the plants to buyers in the state.
"The plants were smuggled from Thailand via the many illegal jetties along the border," he added.