ALOR STAR: The General Operations Force (GOF) has detained 13 local men and seized machinery worth over RM2 million during raids on illegal sand mining sites in Kulim, Kuala Muda, and Bukit Selambau in Sungai Petani.

Northern Brigade PGA commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shahrum Hashim, said the operation was carried out yesterday by the intelligence branch of the Northern Brigade headquarters, along with the intelligence branches of battalions 1 and 2, in collaboration with the Kedah State Land and Mines Office (PTG).

He said they seized four excavators, six lorries, a bulldozer, a tractor, two sand suction units equipped with engines, and other equipment believed to have been used for illegal sand extraction from rivers.

"The estimated total value of the seizures in the three cases is over RM2 million.

"Preliminary interrogation revealed that the owner of the mining sites had been conducting these illegal activities for the past year and had been selling the sand in nearby markets for around RM400 per lorry.

"Further checks also revealed that the site owner did not possess a permit or licence from PTG Kedah to extract sand from the river," he said in a statement today.

The case is being investigated under Section 426 of the National Land Code 1965, which, upon conviction, carries a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

"The Northern Brigade PGA is actively monitoring and patrolling areas in Perak, Penang, and Kedah to curb unlawful activities.

"In this regard, the public is urged to be the eyes and ears of the authorities by providing information on illegal activities," he added