Malaysian forces bust two major smuggling rings in Kelantan border raids
The General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade has disrupted two major smuggling operations in Kelantan this month. Officers seized weapons, drugs, and other illegal goods with an estimated total value of RM43,740. Four men were arrested in connection with the cases.
In the first raid, a 36-year-old man was detained with a crossbow-like weapon and five large bottles of codeine. The drugs alone were worth RM14,050. Officers also confiscated mobile phones and a badminton racket bag linked to the suspect.
Two days later, a second operation led to the arrest of three men. Authorities seized 1,520 Erimin 5 pills, 0.85 grams of suspected ketamine, and 24 litres of processed ketum juice. The haul, including three mobile phones, was valued at RM29,690.
These incidents follow a broader trend of increased smuggling along the Malaysia-Thailand border. Over the past five years, illegal crossings—particularly near fishing jetties in Kelantan—have seen a 40% rise in trafficking of dangerous substances and weapons. Malaysian maritime patrols intercepted 15 tonnes of explosives in 2023 and disrupted arms shipments to separatist groups in 2025. Weak border security and expanded Thai smuggling networks have worsened the problem.
The two latest arrests bring the total seized goods to RM43,740. Authorities continue to monitor Kelantan's border areas as smuggling activity remains high. The GOF Southeast Brigade has intensified patrols in response to the growing threat.
