TUMPAT: The General Operations Force seized 280 smuggled ornamental orchid plants valued at about RM980,000 here on Sunday.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said a man was detained for possession of the plants in the operation at Kampung Simpangan.
He added the suspect was driving a Toyota Avanza when he was arrested by GOF personnel at 6.30pm.
"The GOF personnel were conducting their normal operation when they spotted a suspicious car passing the area.
"After checking the vehicle, they found the plants which were believed to have been smuggled in from Thailand. They then detained the motorist," he added.
He said the investigation showed that the 57-year-old had been hired by an individual to send the plants to local buyers.
On another note, he said three best friends were arrested with 12 bottles of ketum juice and 800 gm of ketum leaves in Pasir Mas last night.
He added the three men were inside a premises at Kampung Pangkal Kala near Bunut Susu.
"The GOF team raided the premise about 11pm last night and discovered the ketum juice and leaves.
"Also seized were two bottles of cough mixture believed to contain codeine and three handphones.
"They then arrested the three, aged 24,37 and 48," he added.