A joint enforcement operation in Kinabatangan led to the seizure of an elephant tusk, 10 live pangolins and 9kg of pangolin scales, highlighting continued efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in Sabah.
The operation, known as Ops Khazanah, was carried out at about 8.30pm on Friday near the entrance of a plantation in Kampung Paris 3. During the raid, wildlife enforcement personnel inspected a 27-year-old Filipino man and discovered the protected wildlife items in his possession.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the General Operations Force as part of ongoing measures to curb illegal wildlife activities in the state.
Authorities believe the seizure represents a significant breakthrough in protecting endangered species, particularly pangolins, which remain among the most heavily trafficked animals in the region.
When asked whether the confiscated elephant tusk was linked to an elephant found butchered in a forest reserve in Tongod last month, Mohd Soffian said investigations were still underway and no conclusion had been reached.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect claimed the tusk had been purchased from another individual, making it difficult at this stage to establish its exact origin.
All seized items, together with the suspect, have been taken into custody for further investigation under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997. Wildlife authorities stressed that illegal wildlife trade remains a serious offence and warned that strict action would be taken against those involved.
Mohd Soffian also urged members of the public to assist enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious wildlife-related activities and avoiding any involvement in the illegal trade of protected animals and their parts.
