Cameroun - Cameroon: Three arrested trafficking in pangolin scales.

Three people have been arrested in Doume in the East Region as the they attempted to sell 35kg of pangolin scales. The arrest that was carried out by the Doume chief of the forestry and wildlife control post in collaboration with the Gendarmerie Brigade, was technically assisted by a wildlife law enforcement body called LAGA.

Two of the traffickers using the motorbikes had arrived the scene of transaction with a smaller bag containing pangolin scales and were closely followed by a third trafficker who had a bigger bag. When the later realized they were walking straight into the hands of the arresting team, he abandoned his motorbike and escaped into the wild. The other two who seemingly did not immediately grasp what was going on were arrested.

According to Baina Patrice, the chief of Doume forestry and wildlife control post who headed the arresting team, they got prior information on trafficking in pangolin scales in the area and shortly after the arrest he declared: “last night we received a team from LAGA who had called us and informed us of trafficking in the area”. Two bikes that were used by the traffickers to enable their movements with the scales were transported to the Gendarmerie Brigade. As wildlife officials recorded preliminary statements from the two who were arrested, a big surprise welcomed everyone present as the trafficker who escaped arrest came to the brigade to “negotiate” for the release of his motorbike. The gendarmes were just more than happy for their good fortune and he was arrested.

According to sources that spoke on condition of anonymity, he is suspected to be the brain behind the illegal sales and had been very aware of the possibility of them being arrested. This explain why he was alert, darting suspicious glances around as wildlife officials waited patiently for the three to make their move. The traffickers had initially inspected the areas where they had to conduct business and return to reappear with the bags of pangolin scales. One official who was part of the team concluded that it was an indication of the fact that they clearly understood the illegal nature of the business they were about to undertake.

The trafficking of pangolin scales in the region has grown to devastating proportions and impacts and Baina said “poaching has become an ill in the region” while talking of the difficulties he has with tracking those involved in these acts because as he says it is dangerous to chase poachers who are armed. He said: “you cannot run after someone who is armed”. Tons of pangolin scales have been seized in the country in recent years and this points to the rising problem with pangolin scales trafficking. In a bit to sensitize the people, Baina opined: “I pray the population to respect the laws governing forestry and wildlife because they may be exposed when they carry out illegal acts”. The reason behind such spikes in pangolin scales trafficking according to Baina is Chinese immigrants in the country. He said: “pangolin scales are well sought after by our Chinese friends living in the country. They go after pangolin scales for diverse reasons which I cannot explain but invariably the destination for the scales is China”.

The two traffickers were later taken to Abong Mbang where the prosecution process continued and they were equally presented to the state counsel, who has in the past, demonstrated his willingness to tackle wildlife crimes in the area that is considered to be a growing hotspot for pangolin scales trafficking. The traffickers face up to 3 years’ imprisonment if found guilty.

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