Arrested Pangolin trafficker
Pangolin scales
By Ahone Heidi
Three people are to appear in the Ntui Court of First Instance on the 26th of June to answer to charges brought against them. They are accused of trafficking in pangolin scales.
They were arrested on September 14, 2023 during a crackdown operation carried out by wildlife officials of the Mbam and Kim Divisional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife in collaboration with the Police.
The three suspects were arrested with 91kg of giant pangolin scales concealed in grains and flour bags as they attempted to sell the scales. The case was last heard by the same court on May 22 and was adjourned by the presiding judge to June 26 when the court is expected to pass its verdict. The Last Great Ape Organisation also known as LAGA, a Wildlife law enforcement body is assisting officials in the legal procedures.
A report from Wildlife Justice Commission on pangolins covering the period of 2015 to 2024 reveals a notable decline in pangolin trafficking.
Commenting on the report, Tah Kaba Eric, the Deputy Director of LAGA said pangolin trafficking has reduced as per the reports on the field with less seizure made as in the past. However, he underlined that trafficking is still on going albeit with lesser intensity. Wildlife law enforcement is said to play an important role in the decline.
The report of Wildlife Justice Commission therefore serves as a call to law enforcement bodies and lawmakers to strengthen efforts to deter traffickers from pangolin trafficking. It is within the framework of government’s collaboration with its non-governmental partners in protecting pangolins that the traffickers were arrested and are being prosecuted according to the stipulations of the 2024 wildlife law that now governs the sector.