Police seize 376kg of pangolin scales worth RM376,200 in Negeri Sembilan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — In an integrated operation targeting wildlife crime, police in Negeri Sembilan detained three men and seized 376.2kg of pangolin scales, valued at an estimated RM376,200. The Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence Division (WCB/PSK) of Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department, in partnership with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), conducted the operation on Tuesday.

WCB/PSK JKDNKA Commander SAC Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar revealed that 15 boxes of pangolin scales were discovered during a search of a suspected storage and distribution centre. Additional items seized included nine mobile phones, a weighing scale, and a padlock. The total value of the seized items, including the pangolin scales, is estimated at RM401,700.

All suspects and seized items were transferred to the Nilai District Police Headquarters for further examination by Perhilitan investigators. The case is being investigated under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, which pertains to offences involving wildlife, its parts, or derivatives. WCB/PSK JKDNKA Commander emphasized the significance of ongoing intelligence and enforcement operations to combat networks involved in wildlife storage, collection, and distribution.

Over the past year, the division has conducted 288 raids across the country, resulting in 471 arrests and seizing items worth an estimated RM350.35 million. This year alone, 66 cases have been recorded, involving 74 arrests and seizures valued at RM99.70 million under the Operation Bersepadu Khazanah initiative.