Indonesian Authorities Stop Major Pangolin Smuggling Plot

Indonesian officials announced they intercepted an attempt to smuggle over a ton of pangolin scales valued at $1.3 million. The discovery took place on November 11 in North Sumatra’s Asahan district, where 1.2 tons of the scales were seized. Authorities believe the shipment was destined for China, passing through Malaysia and Singapore.

Rasio Ridho Sani, director general of law enforcement at the environment ministry, explained that four suspects, including three military personnel, were arrested with some of the scales in their possession. Further investigation led to the recovery of the rest at a suspect’s home in Asahan. Those charged face up to 20 years in prison and fines of $314,000 if convicted. This year alone, Indonesian authorities have stopped eight attempts to smuggle pangolins or their scales, primarily in Sumatra.

The scales are thought to come from at least 5,900 pangolins, highlighting the devastating impact of poaching driven by demand for their meat and scales. Pangolin scales, often used in traditional Chinese medicine despite lacking scientific Support for their effectiveness, are made of keratin, the same protein found in human nails. Meanwhile, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy in some parts of China and Vietnam.

Sani emphasized the ecological damage caused by the slaughter of pangolins, saying, “Killing thousands of pangolins will disrupt the balance of nature and damage the ecosystem, thereby harming the environment and society.” He called for the harshest penalties to deter future offenses.

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