Four Nabbed For Smuggling Livestock Without Permits

IPOH, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Four local men were arrested for smuggling livestock without permits during Op Taring Kandang operations at Jalan Baling-Gerik, near Gerik, today.

General Operations Force (GOF) Ulu Kinta Northern Brigade commander SAC Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh said the suspects, aged between 23 and 35, were believed to be transporting cattle and goats without valid permits or written authorisation from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

“Further inspection of two lorries found 117 goats and 18 cattle, believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country via illegal routes along the national border.

“The livestock and the vehicles seized are estimated to be worth RM686,300,” he said in a statement today.

Balveer Singh said the suspects’ modus operandi was covering the rear section of the lorries with canvas sheets, leaving only a small opening to provide ventilation for the animals.

He added that the suspects were believed to have been active for the past three months.

The suspects are being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Animals Act 1953, and all seized animals have been handed over to the Perak DVS for further action.

-- BERNAMA