KUALA LUMPUR – Police have confiscated 30 baby crocodiles and 14 turtles worth RM1.81 million in an integrated operation which successfully brought down an international wildlife smuggling syndicate.
The animals, identified as false gharial baby crocodiles and Indian eyed turtles, were among the wildlife seized by police during the operation conducted yesterday, which also saw the arrest of a foreign man.
In a statement today, Bukit Aman internal security and public order department acting director Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that the wildlife species seized have a “high value” in the dark market.
The baby crocodiles are worth RM60,000 per animal while the turtles are priced at RM1,350 each, he said.
Based on information and intelligence obtained by police, the suspect is understood to have brought the controlled wildlife species here from a South Asia country via air travel through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
“The arrest (of the suspect) is believed to be linked to a wildlife syndicate active at an international level. The wildlife is believed to be brought into the nation for transit purposes before being transferred to another country,” Yusoff said.
He added that between January 1 to September 17, police through the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence had launched 135 raids nationwide and detained 384 people for various offences involving smuggling of non-custom goods, leakage of controlled and subsidised goods, as well as wildlife smuggling.
The total value of seized goods within the time frame is estimated to be RM420.05 million.
“Police are committed to enforcing the law and carrying out operations to prevent smuggling activities and any misdeeds which contravene the country’s laws so that Malaysia does not become the primary choice of smuggling syndicates.
“Police also support the government’s aim of ensuring the people’s welfare and the nation’s internal security.”
Those with information on criminal smuggling activities can submit their information to [email protected]. – September 18, 2024