A man was arrested for illegally possessing wildlife after attempting to evade enforcement officers by hiding four baby crocodiles worth more than RM240,000 in a polystyrene box placed inside the boot of his car.
The operation was carried out on the 2nd of this month in Johor Bahru by the Bukit Aman Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) in collaboration with the Johor Wildlife Protection Department, following a public tip-off regarding suspected illegal possession of wildlife without a permit.
During the raid, authorities seized four baby crocodiles with an estimated total value exceeding RM240,000.
Bukit Aman FRU commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Rosli Yusoff said investigations found that the crocodile hatchlings were being kept without any valid licence or approval from the relevant authorities.
“The four crocodiles were discovered hidden inside a polystyrene box in the boot of a car, with no permit or authorisation from any agency,” he said.
Rosli added that items worth a total of RM285,000 were seized during the operation, including the crocodile hatchlings.
The suspect was arrested to assist in investigations but has since been released on bail, while the Johor Wildlife Protection Department is finalising the investigation papers.
The case is being investigated under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716).
