What is the street value of smuggled pangolins?

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The Street Value of Smuggled Pangolins Can Be Substantial, With Specific Parts Commanding High Prices

The street value of smuggled pangolins can reach significant figures, as evidenced by a recent seizure where 56 pangolins, weighing over 300 kilograms, were valued at RM75,000. While the overall value of the pangolins in this instance was substantial, individual parts of the animal are also highly sought after. The tail of a pangolin alone is reported to fetch approximately RM250 per kilogram.
Significant Seizure Highlights Market Demand

In a recent operation, the Malaysian Border Control Agency (Aksem) intercepted a vehicle carrying 56 pangolins. The total weight of these animals exceeded 300 kilograms, and their estimated street value was RM75,000. This incident underscores the considerable economic incentive behind the illegal trade of pangolins, with the animals destined for markets where they command high prices.
Pangolin Tails Fetch Premium Prices

Beyond the overall value of a pangolin, specific body parts are particularly valuable in the illicit trade. The tail of a pangolin is a commodity that can be sold for around RM250 per kilogram. This indicates a tiered pricing structure within the smuggling network, where different components of the animal are valued independently.
Processed Scales Command Even Higher Prices

The market value for pangolin parts extends beyond their tails, with processed scales being even more lucrative. Reports suggest that processed pangolin scales can achieve even higher prices than the tails. This suggests that the demand for pangolins is driven by multiple uses, including traditional medicine, where scales are a key ingredient.

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What is the street value of smuggled pangolins?

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