Lion smuggler, Leopard, The star tortoise and tiger trader were successfully seized

In December 2019, Riau Regional Police arrested a wildlife smuggler who tried to carry four juvenile lions, a juvenile leopard, and 58 Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) from Malaysia to Indonesia via Dumai Port in Riau. The suspect tried to take the animals to Lampung and East Java. A second suspect was arrested by police during a follow-up investigation. Because regulations in Indonesia only protect native animals (native) Indonesia, then in the arrest of this suspect, Investigators used quarantine laws for lions and turtles because they are not native to Indonesia (non-native). Meanwhile, leopards use protected animal protection regulations. Investigators are hopeful for the future, regulations/laws in Indonesia will cover all threatened species listed in the CITES Appendix, including non-native species. In July 2020, one perpetrator was sentenced 4 years and USD fine 70.000 while the second perpetrator and the third person involved were sentenced 3,5 years and USD fine 70.000.

Apart from the court decision in July, in the year 2020 The police also arrest perpetrators of wildlife crimes. Three traders with the initials Adi, Mat, and Dau was arrested by the Aceh Police on 17 June 2020. Evidence in the form of skin, bone, skull of an adult tigress, and four canine teeth. Fourth suspect, initials Bir, escaped during an arrest operation, then the police managed to arrest him the next day. During a search of the suspect's car, police confiscated twenty sun bear claws and four canine teeth. The suspect explained that the tiger was trapped using a snare set in East Aceh. One of the suspects, Adi is a tiger shaman in Aceh. Tiger shamans are famous locally for having the ability to tame tigers. When there is a conflict between humans and tigers, shamans are often asked to help catch tigers. Adi then abused his position by collaborating with hunters and traders in tiger parts. The suspects have now been detained. In June of the year 2020, The Aceh Regional Police held a press conference regarding this matter and can be seen in the following news excerpt: (Click).

With criminal activity still occurring animal trade the, proves that in the midst of the pandemic that has hit Indonesia and the world, Environmental criminals never stop committing crimes. Therefore, preventive efforts, Awareness and law enforcement must always be promoted even though the pandemic is still an obstacle in carrying out activities.

Be a part of SCENTS mission to save beautiful creatures from illegal wildlife trafficking.