Leopard Skins trafficker arrested with samples |
A wildlife trafficker was arrested for
illegal possession of a leopard skin and
41kg of pangolin scales which he brought from Douala to Yaounde to sell. As he
alighted from the bus late in the night of June 8, 2017,, he was immediately
arrested by the police who were waiting from him. .
The
operation was carried out by the Centre Regional Delegation of Forestry and
Wildlife in close collaboration with police officers from the 10th Police
District in Yaounde and with technical assistance from The Last Great
Organisation - LAGA. The operation involved tracking wildlife traffickers
through social network and this quickly proved successful as a
partner of his was found
advertising several wildlife
species including leopard skins and pangolin scales. He would travelled from his base in Douala to Yaounde
where he intended to meet a client for business and was arrested.. .
Wildlife
traffickers are taking advantage of the new communication world, increasingly;
they are using the Facebook, WhatsApp and other communication tools to
adverstise, contact and conduct business with clients all over the world. The
opportunities are wide and varied with scammers, wildlife traffickers and other
kinds of criminals making the most of these open communication channels. .
The
47-year man, according to preliminary investigations, has strong links with
petty traffickers who supply him with giant pangolin scales which he sells to
other traffickers including the Chinese. He equally resides in Gabon where he
regularly source giant pangolin scales. His connections are not limited to
these and is thought to be doing business with
a Nigerian who is considered to be one of his principal clients.
The
illegal trade in pangolin scales is fast becoming a serious problem as
pangolins which were formerly regarded only as a source of meat are seen more
and more seen wealth because of the
increasing value of the scales in Asian black markets. The outcome can only be
a disaster for this nocturnal species whose only defence is to coil up when in
danger. While the plundering is on, conservation efforts are slow to catch up
with conservationist still fidgeting on what to do to stop this problem.
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