Seven tonnes of pork carcasses smuggled via sea route seized

MERBOK — Penang region one marine police seized seven tonnes of pork carcasses at an illegal jetty in Sungai Merbok, involving a haul estimated to be worth about RM795,100.

Region one commander Assistant Commissioner Jaffri Bidin said seven local men were also detained in the early morning operation on Wednesday to assist in investigations.

He said two refrigerated lorries, a fibre boat without registration number, three engines and three sets of keys were also seized.

“Penang region one marine police, through the Penang marine police intelligence unit together with patrol boat PSC45, carried out Op Taring Landai and Op Taring Gelora around the waters of Tanjung Dawai, involving two senior officers and 10 personnel.

“On April 1 at about 2am, the team raided an illegal jetty in Sungai Merbok, Kedah and detained seven local men suspected of being involved in transferring and transporting pork carcasses without a permit,” he said in a statement.

He said initial investigations at the scene found the pork carcasses were brought in from neighbouring Thailand via sea routes.

“Checks found that all suspects failed to produce any permit from the Department of Veterinary Services for the activity,” he said.

All suspects have been detained to assist in investigations, and the case has been handed over to the Kedah Department of Veterinary Services for further action.

He added that the marine police will continue to intensify operations, especially in hotspot areas, to curb smuggling activities via sea routes that could pose risks to public health and national security.

The case is being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Animals Act 1953.