SFC busts wildlife smuggling syndicate in Miri with RM15 million seizure 

THE  Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and the General Operations Force seized an estimated RM 15 million worth of protected wildlife and exotic birds, skulls and body parts and an array of exotic plants in a series of raids in Miri and its surrounding vicinity in Sarawak.

The two enforcement agencies have also arrested a number of suspects believed to be wildlife traders and hunters.

The SFC said the two agencies had carried out a series of swoops in housing and commercial premises in Miri city and surrounding areas after intensive surveillance over the past few days.

"We carried out Ops Bersatu Khazanah jointly with the GOF and made the seizures and arrests.

"An estimated RM 15 million worth of live wildlife of numerous species protected under the law and their body parts were seized.

"Rare plants and essential oil made from plants and animal parts have also been seized.

"This is the biggest seizure in our recent history," the SFC said in a press statement.

Among the live wildlife seized were exotic tortoises, rare birds, baby crocodiles, pangolins and others; skulls and bear paws and bile, deer antlers, tusks, pangolin scales plus other body parts of birds and animals.

The exotic plants seized included agarwood and numerous other species of rare wood that are used to make exotic essential oil and perfumes.

Also seized from the suspects was more than RM42,000 cash.

"We are probing them under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998," the SFC said. - November 30, 2024