KOTA BARU: In its biggest bust this year, Kelantan police nabbed 92 illegal immigrants entering Malaysia in an operation here recently.
Eight locals linked to the case were also detained in the operation at Kampung Belukar Pauh near Panji.
Acting Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said the 92 illegals were arrested in a raid at a house in the village on Aug 16.
"A police party raided the house about 4.40am, following public tip-off of the premises being used as a transit point by human traffickers.
"After raiding the place, they found 71 men and 21 women, all from Myanmar. The foreigners were detained as they did not have any valid travel documents.
"Also detained were seven of the eight locals who were believed to be their transporters," he told a Press conference here today.
Zaki said police detained the eighth local believed to be a human trafficking syndicate agent in Wakaf Che Yeh area about 5.15am the following day.
He said during the operations, police seized five vehicles and 14 mobile phones used by the transporters and the agent. Cash comprising Malaysian and Thai currencies were also seized.
"Initial investigations showed that the immigrants entered the country via the many illegal jetties dotted along the Kelantan-Thai border.
"They were hiding in the house before being transported to other states such as Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
"Each of them paid about RM1,500 to the agent," he added.
Zaki said the eight locals, aged between 17 and 43, were being held for further action.
The immigrants, aged between 16 and 51, had been handed over to the Immigration Department, he said.