Police, together with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (PERHILITAN), have successfully dismantled a syndicate involved in the trafficking of various turtle species, seizing contraband worth RM287,395.
PERHILITAN Director Datuk Abdul Kadir confirmed that three men in their 40s were arrested during the operation, with several drugs also recovered. The suspects have been handed over to the Padang Besar police for further investigation.
The crackdown, named “Operation Precious Treasure”, involved raids at three separate locations, resulting in the confiscation of 50 turtles. Abdul Kadir said the multi-agency operation, which included the Perlis Police Headquarters’ narcotics unit, followed months of meticulous intelligence gathering and public tips.
On February 4 at 12:35 p.m., authorities arrested a man at a residence in Kayang, seizing six turtles suspected to be Sulcata tortoises. The suspect failed to present any permits or documentation for legal possession of wildlife.
Later that day at 2 p.m., a second raid at a property in Kaki Bukit led to the arrest of two more local men and the confiscation of 44 turtles of various species, including Sulcata tortoises, Indian star tortoises, Burmese star tortoises, Pangolin turtles, Leaf turtles, and Black marsh turtles. Officers also discovered 13 suspected turtle eggs at the site.
Further questioning of the suspects led authorities to a third residence in the same area, where 15 packets of suspected wild orchid products were seized. A lorry and several mobile phones were also confiscated.
The total value of all items seized during the operation is estimated at RM287,395.
