Poaching syndicate using AK47s, wire snares to hunt endangered species in Kelantan
Poaching syndicate using AK47s, wire snares to hunt endangered species in
Kelantan
Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah, New Straits Times
December 31, 2020
See link
https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2021/01/653692/poaching-syndicate-using-ak47s-wire-snares-hunt-endangered-species
for photo.
An international poaching syndicate, whose member was arrested during Ops
Khazanah recently, is believed to have used AK47 rifles and wire snares to
hunt endangered species.
Sources said the syndicate, with members comprising locals and those from
neighbouring countries, has been active in hunting wildlife and collecting
their parts in Kelantan jungles for more than three years.
The source said the poachers have targeted endangered species such as
tigers, elephants and sun bears.
"The Kelantan international poaching syndicate has at least 10 members and
the rich profits from the business prompted them to sell different parts of
the animals on the black market," the source told the New Straits Times.
The source said the finding was made following the seizure of a tiger,
panther carcasses and 10 pieces of ivory worth more than RM500,000 during
the operation in Tanah Merah.
"With the arrest of the suspect and the seizure of the carcasses and the
ivory, police believe organised criminals are behind these cruel acts.
"The hunters set up the wire snares in the jungles and later kill the
animals, mostly for their parts.
"The authorities involved in the operation are now tracking down the rest
of the syndicate members who they believe are still in the state," said the
source.
The source said it is believed that a tiger is sold for its skin, bones,
teeth, claws, tail and even whiskers which can find a place on the black
market as decorative items or ingredients in traditional medicines.
A 25-year-old man, believed to be a member of the syndicate, was arrested
in the 3am operation and was remanded for four days beginning yesterday.
Investigations showed that the carcasses and ivory had been kept at a
premises since April and were to be sent to their intended destinations
soon.