Kelantan police detained 24 undocumented migrants from four countries after intercepting three vehicles in a foiled smuggling operation in Tumpat.
TUMPAT: Police have detained 24 undocumented migrants from Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
The individuals, aged between two and 42, were apprehended along the riverbank in Pasir Pekan Hulu, Wakaf Bharu yesterday.
Tumpat police chief ACP Mohd Khairi Shafie said the migrants did not possess any valid travel documents.
A police team intercepted three vehicles believed to have been used to transport the migrants into the country.
The vehicles were two Nissan X-Trails and a Honda City.
“The drivers of the three vehicles, whose identities have yet to be ascertained, managed to escape by fleeing towards the riverbank,” Mohd Khairi said in a statement.
Police officers, assisted by the Fire and Rescue team, attempted to track down the suspects.
The search was unsuccessful due to limited visibility and dark conditions.
Initial investigations found all the migrants had entered the country by boat via a river route from Thailand.
All the migrants and the seized vehicles have been taken to the Tumpat district police headquarters for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under Sections 55E and 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
