Two people were arrested on July 3 in Tibati for trafficking in giant pangolin scales. The two traffickers attempted to sell the pangolin scales when they were arrested. They arrived at the place of transaction on a motorcycle, one of them riding the motorcycle while the other had the two grains bags hemmed in between them. The motorcycle and the pangolin scales were seized during the arrest.
The crackdown operation was carried out by wildlife officials of the Djerem Divisional Delegation of forestry and wildlife in collaboration with the Gendarmerie Company of Tibati.
They were found with two bags of giant pangolin scales in Tibati close to a bus station. The scales were wrapped in cardboard boxes and concealed in the grain bags. Close to 90kg of giant pangolin scales were seized representing about 35 giant pangolins killed. One of the traffickers is a bushmeat dealer while the other doubles as a mechanic. They activated a host of poachers who mostly collected the scales in villages around Tibati. The Last Great Ape Organisation – LAGA technical assisted during the operation.
According to sources close to the matter that requested for anonymity, the suspects would travel out of Tibati to other areas including Ngaoundere to sell their booty. They are presently at the Tibati prison for continuation of the procedures.
Recently, reports on pangolins, including that of Wildlife Justice Commission have revealed a notable decline in pangolin trafficking. However, trafficking is still ongoing albeit with lesser intensity as noted Tah Kaba Eric, the Deputy Director of LAGA. He says “Efforts to stem the illegal trade in pangolin scales have contributed to an effective fight for the survival of the species and we may now be seeing some of the results. The intensity of the trade may have fallen off. This could also be explained by a decrease in demand in Asian countries. But this could all be a false hope considering the trade may has well gone totally underground making it all the more difficult for law enforcement”
The illegal trade and poaching of pangolin remain the highest threat to the survival of the species. The government is not relenting efforts through the 2024 wildlife law to punish anyone found trafficking pangolin scales. According to the 2024 wildlife law, anyone found in possession of pangolin scales, is considered to have killed and faces fines ranging from 20 to 50 million and/or prison terms of 15 to 20 years. Giant pangolins are totally protected species and are totally protected in the country.
Pangoline scales