Singapore seizes nearly 13 tonnes of pangolin scales
Singaporean authorities have seized nearly 13 tonnes of pangolin scales worth about 38.7 million USD, which is the biggest single haul globally in recent years.
Multiple bags of pangolin scales found in an illegal shipment seized by authorities on Apr 3. (Photo: Singapore Customs)
Singapore (VNA) – Singaporean authorities haveseized nearly 13 tonnes of pangolin scales worth about 38.7 million USD, whichis the biggest single haul globally inrecent years.
According to the local media, around 17,000 pangolins werekilled to make up the shipment.
Following an inspection ofthe 40-ft container by the National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Customs,the 12.9 tonnes of scales were found packed in 230 bags hidden among packsof frozen meat from Nigeria and bound to a Southeast Asian country.
The container, declared tocontain “frozen beef”, also included 177kg of cut up and carved elephant ivorywith an estimated worth of 88,500 USD.
Pangolinsand elephants are protected species under the Convention on International Tradein Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), of which Singapore is asignatory.
Ifconvicted of illegal import, export, and re-export of wildlife, an offender canbe fined a maximum of 500,000 SGD (about 369,375 USD) or two years in jail, orboth.
Pangolin scales are typically used as an ingredient intraditional Asian medicines, despite the absence of evidence about itspurported medical benefit.-VNA
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Multiple bags of pangolin scales found in an illegal shipment seized by authorities on Apr 3. (Photo: Singapore Customs) 
