The Kelantan Marine Operations Force (MOF) detained four men, including two Thai nationals, and seized RM1.5 million worth of live and frozen exotic animals at Limbungan Sireh, Tok Bali in Pasir Puteh last night.

Kelantan MOF operations officer, Insp Hamdan Mustafa said the suspects, aged between 20 and 45, were detained as they were transferring the animals from several vehicles into a fishing boat at the dock at about 9pm.

The live and frozen exotic animals, which included tortoise, turtle, civet-cat and wild boar, are believed to be smuggled to a neighbouring country due to their high demand there, he told reporters in Pasir Puteh today.

He said the raid at the dock was made following public tip-off and police surveillance.

The seized live and frozen exotic animals would be handed over to the Wildlife and National Park Department for further action, he added.

- Bernama