Are these pangolins destined for local markets or export?

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Pangolin Seizures Suggest Both Local Distribution and Potential Export Activities

Recent enforcement actions in Sabah have uncovered evidence pointing towards both local market distribution and potential export of pangolin products. Authorities detained a man and confiscated approximately RM8.4 million worth of live pangolins and animal parts following raids conducted on Thursday and Friday. These operations targeted a processing factory and a storage godown, revealing a supply chain that appears to cater to domestic consumption while also raising suspicions of international trade.
Processing Facility Identified for Pangolin Meat and Scales

A key focus of the investigation was a factory located at the South Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) in Jalan Sepanggar-Manggata. This facility was identified as the site where pangolins were processed for their meat and scales. During a raid on this factory last Thursday, law enforcement officials seized 35 live pangolins, two sacks of pangolin scales, a digital weighing machine, and a vehicle. This indicates a structured operation for preparing these animal products.
Storage Godown Reveals Large Quantities of Frozen Meat

Following the factory raid, a subsequent operation on Friday at a godown in Kampung Bontoi, Jalan Tamparuli, led to the detention of a 35-year-old man, believed to be a factory manager. This raid resulted in the seizure of 1,860 boxes of frozen pangolin meat. The total confiscated items across both raids included 61 live pangolins, 361kg of pangolin scales, 572 frozen pangolins, and three containers holding the substantial volume of frozen meat.
Distribution Chain Points to Local Markets with Export Possibilities

The modus operandi suggests that pangolins are sourced from poachers and transported to the identified factory for processing. The resulting pangolin meat is then packed and sent to the godown for distribution to local markets. However, police have indicated that they are not ruling out the possibility that the frozen meat was intended for export, suggesting a dual purpose for the processed products. The investigation also uncovered other seized items, including two animal feet, believed to be from a bear, and four frozen bats.

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Are these pangolins destined for local markets or export?

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