The pangolin scales in the latest seizure in Singapore (Photo: AFP/VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Singaporean authorities announced on April 10 that they had discovered nearly 13 tonnes of pangolin scales, worth about 38 million USD, in a shipping container, the second major seizure of the endangered animal product in a week.
In the most recent seizure on April 8, Singaporean customs officials found 12.7 tonnes of pangolin scales in 474 bags on a container which was labelled as carrying seeds usually used to make tea.
They estimated that around 21,000 pangolins were killed to harvest such a huge quantity. The container started its journey in Nigeria.
On April 3, Singaporean officials seized 12.9 tonnes of pangolin scales worth some 38.7 million USD from a container which was also sent from Nigeria.
The government of Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance stance on the use of the country as a conduit to smuggle endangered species and their parts, underlined a government statement.
Under Singaporean law, those found guilty of the illegal import or export of wildlife can be fined up to 500,000 SGD (370,000 USD) and jailed for up to two years.
Singapore’s extensive trade links and efficient ports have lured wildlife smugglers who use the country as a transit point to ship exotic creatures to customers across the world, according to animal welfare activists.–VNA
VNA
