KOTA BARU: Migrant smugglers in Kelantan have resorted to aggressive tactics to evade arrest including damaging Immigration enforcement vehicles during high-speed chases.

Kelantan Immigration director Garry Belayong John Siki said 38 suspected smugglers had been arrested for bringing 380 undocumented migrants into the country through the state since last year.

He said the arrests were made in a series of operations across several districts, including Pasir Mas, Kota Baru and Gua Musang.

"The smugglers are willing to act aggressively to evade arrest. Some of our vehicles were damaged during the chase.