KUNAK: Two men aged between 30 and 40 were arrested Wednesday following the discovery of two live pangolins in their vehicle at Kampung Simpang Empat, in what authorities believe to be a wildlife trafficking operation.
The arrests were made during a joint integrated operation conducted by the intelligence and General Operations Force’s 22nd Battalion Task Force team in cooperation with the Sabah Wildlife Department.
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Officers inspected a Proton Saga FLX driven by the two suspects and found two sacks tied with rope. Further examination revealed the sacks contained two live pangolins.
Both suspects were detained along with the seized items and handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM16, 400.
Authorities said monitoring and intelligence operations related to exotic wildlife sales will continue to be intensified through integrated multi-agency cooperation to combat illegal activities within the General Operation Force’s 22nd Battalion area of responsibility.
