Mangaluru: Personnel of the CID Forest Mobile Squad, Mangaluru, arrested three persons for allegedly attempting to illegally sell pangolin scales near Kadri Park in the city. The operation was carried out on May 5 following specific information received by officials regarding suspected wildlife trafficking activity in the area.
According to officials, the accused were found inside a white Maruti Swift car bearing registration number KA-05-MS-1049 during the raid conducted near Kadri Park at around 3 pm. Police said the trio was allegedly attempting to sell pangolin scales illegally when the team intercepted the vehicle.
The accused were immediately taken into custody, and officials seized both the wildlife contraband and the vehicle used in the operation. A case was subsequently registered, and the accused were produced before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody.
Pangolin scales worth Rs 3 lakh seized
During the operation, police seized 5.200 kg of pangolin scales along with the Maruti Swift car. Officials estimated the total value of the seized material and vehicle at around Rs 3 lakh.
Authorities confirmed that the seized scales are suspected to have been collected illegally from pangolins, a protected wild species listed under wildlife protection laws in India. Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals globally due to the illegal demand for their scales and body parts.
Forest and wildlife officials stated that illegal trade involving pangolin scales is a serious offence under the Wildlife Protection Act and carries stringent legal penalties.
Investigators are also examining whether the accused were linked to a larger wildlife smuggling network operating across Karnataka and neighbouring states.
Three accused remanded to judicial custody
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- H.R. Jagadish (50)
- Siddu Naik (38)
- Babu (48)
Police said the accused were questioned following their arrest before being produced before the court. The court later ordered judicial custody pending further investigation.
Officials have not yet disclosed details regarding the source of the pangolin scales or the intended buyers. Further investigation is currently underway to identify possible connections to organised wildlife trafficking activities.
Raid conducted following tip-off
Authorities stated that the raid was conducted based on credible intelligence received by the CID Forest Mobile Squad regarding the planned illegal sale of pangolin scales in Mangaluru.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police, CID Forest Cell, Bengaluru, and Superintendent of Police, CID Forest Cell, Madikeri, Pavan Nellore.
The raid was led by Police Sub-Inspector Dileep G.R. along with staff members Taranath S and Abdul Ravoof.
Officials said the successful operation highlights ongoing efforts by the CID Forest Cell to curb wildlife crimes and illegal forest-related activities across the state.
Public urged to report wildlife offences
Following the arrests, forest officials appealed to the public to actively assist authorities in preventing wildlife crimes and forest offences.
Citizens have been encouraged to report any suspicious activities involving wildlife trafficking, illegal hunting, transport of protected species, or sale of wildlife products.
The public may contact the following numbers to share information related to forest and wildlife offences:
- Office of the Superintendent of Police, CID Forest Cell, Madikeri – 9480800220
- CID Forest Mobile Squad, Mangaluru – 8277949810
Officials stressed that public cooperation plays a crucial role in protecting endangered wildlife species and preventing illegal trafficking networks from operating in the region.
Pangolin trafficking remains major concern
Wildlife experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the illegal trafficking of pangolins in India and across Asia. Pangolins are protected species and are considered highly vulnerable due to poaching and illegal trade.
Their scales are often smuggled for use in illegal traditional medicine markets and wildlife trafficking networks. Conservation authorities continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement measures to combat such activities.
The latest seizure in Mangaluru is being viewed as another important step in efforts to crack down on illegal wildlife trade in Karnataka and safeguard protected species from exploitation.