Four arrested over killing, skinning pangolins
The four suspects were found in possession of four freshly killed and skinned pangolins, which are listed as endangered species under the International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
(Courtesy/UWA)
NewVision Reporter
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In the fight against wildlife trafficking, four individuals have been arrested for killing and skinning four pangolins.
Pangolins, the most trafficked mammal around the world, are insect-eating mammals covered in tough, overlapping scales.
The arrested individuals identified as Pan Yi (40), Liang Sen (26), Huang Xiaobiao (40), and Dia Yanyu (36), were initially detained at Kampala Stocks Supermarket on Luwum Street before being escorted to their residence for further investigation.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the four suspects were found in possession of four freshly killed and skinned pangolins, which are listed as endangered species under the International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The skinned pangolins. (Courtesy/UWA)
Pangolins are listed as endangered species under the International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (File photo)
UWA spokesperson, Bashir Hangi, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, said: "These four Chinese citizens were last week arrested for illegal possession of wildlife products and specimens and tax evasion. 9.4 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, two skinned pangolin carcasses".
He added that the suspects were arrested with 167 cartons of smuggled premium cigarettes and sh27m was recovered.
In the November 28, 2024, post, Hangi said the arrest of the suspects was a result of a joint operation by UWA, Uganda Police, and the Uganda Revenue Authority.
UWA executive director, Sam Mwadha, recently said pangolins are highly valued for their scales and meat, which is in high demand on the black market. He, however, committed to protecting these incredible creatures and bringing whoever is caught harming them (pangolins) to arrest.
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world due to high demand for their scales and claws in traditional medicine. Their meat is considered a delicacy in some Asian countries and consumed as bushmeat in some African countries.
What the law says
Under section 71(1)(a) of the Penal Code Act, if a person is found in possession of, sells, buys, transfers, or accepts the transfer of a protected specimen, he commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding sh200m or to life imprisonment or both.