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Six Held for Trading Endangered Pangolin Scales
13 Sep
Summary
- Forest officials seized 2 kg of pangolin scales.
- Six individuals arrested for alleged wildlife trade.
- The operation occurred on the Padmarigiri-Pandripani road.
In a significant operation on Sunday, forest officials in Malkangiri district successfully seized 2 kilograms of pangolin scales, weighing an estimated 352 individual pieces. Six people were arrested in connection with the alleged possession and trading of these protected wildlife body parts. The successful bust took place on the Padmarigiri-Pandripani road, an area targeted based on intelligence regarding illegal poaching and trafficking activities.
Three motor vehicles believed to be instrumental in the illegal trade were also confiscated during the joint operation, which involved teams from the Malkangiri and Mathili forest ranges. The accused were reportedly transporting the pangolin scales for the purpose of illegal trade. Authorities have initiated a wildlife offense case against them under the amended Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
Malkangiri's Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sai Kiran DN, affirmed the division's dedication to wildlife preservation and promised stringent action against all involved in such illicit activities. Pangolins are a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, making their scales a target for poachers and black market traders. The investigation continues to identify the source of the scales and other participants in the trafficking network.
