PAPAR: The Sabah General Operations Force (GOF) has crippled a large-scale smuggling operation involving frozen chicken and illegal cockfighting worth RM21.7 million in a joint operation across eight districts on Tuesday.
Sabah GOF Brigade Commander, SAC Nor Omar Sappi, said Op Taring Chiller/Manuk was conducted with several enforcement agencies between 9am and noon in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tawau, Sandakan, Beluran, Keningau, Lahad Datu and Semporna.
He said checks at 15 premises and farms led to the arrest of 24 individuals aged between 18 and 61, including workers and owners.
The seized items included frozen chicken and live birds suspected to be used for cockfighting and gambling, believed to have been imported and possibly unfit or non-halal for consumption.
Nor Omar said investigations are underway under various laws including the Animal Enactment 2015, Food Act 1983 and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009, with all suspects handed over to the relevant agencies for further action.
