Two people were arrested on July 3 in Tibati for trafficking in giant pangolin scales; close to 90 kg of giant pangolin scales were seized, representing about 35 giant pangolins killed.
The traffickers arrived at the transaction venue on a motorcycle. One of them was a motorcycle rider, and the other had the two grain bags hemmed in between them. The Djerem Divisional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Gendarmerie Company of Tibati, with the technical assistance from LAGA, led the crackdown operation that led to the arrest of the traffickers who were in the process of selling the pangolin scales.
They were found with two bags of giant pangolin scales in Tibati, close to a bus station. The scales were wrapped in cardboard boxes and concealed in the grain bags. One of the traffickers is a bushmeat dealer, while the other doubles as a mechanic. The traffickers activate a host of poachers who mostly collect the scales in villages around Tibati. Sources who requested anonymity said the suspects would travel out of Tibati to other areas, including Ngaoundere, to sell their booty.
The suspects are presently at the Tibati prison for the continuation of the procedures.
Recently, reports on pangolins, including that of the Wildlife Justice Commission, have revealed a notable decline in pangolin trade. However, trafficking is still ongoing, albeit with lesser intensity, as noted by Tah Kaba Eric, the Deputy Director of LAGA. He says, “Efforts to stem the illegal trade in pangolin scales have contributed to an effective fight for the survival of the species, and we may now be seeing some of the results. The intensity of the trade may have dropped, explained by a decrease in demand in Asian countries, but it could all be a false hope, considering the trade may well have gone underground, making it all the more difficult for law enforcement.”
The illegal trade and poaching of pangolins remain the highest threat to the survival of the species. The government, through the 2024 wildlife law, punishes anyone found trafficking pangolin scales.
According to the 2024 wildlife law, anyone found in possession of pangolin scales is considered to have killed and faces fines ranging from 20 to 50 million and/or prison terms of 15 to 20 years. Giant pangolins are a protected species, and Cameroon is not left out.