Pangolin smuggling by this route is not a new phenomenon but frequent arrests this year of smugglers in possession of pangolin scales have shown the intensity of the trend. [break]
A total of 60 kilograms of pangolin scales was seized in three incidents this year alone. Three smugglers were arrested in possession of 14 kilograms of pangolin scales in two separate raids by police last week.
According to the District Forest Office (DFO), smuggling of pangolin organs seems to involve a remarkable number of Chinese colluding with Nepalis. Of the seven arrested last year, two were Chinese nationals, and one of them has been sent into judicial custody.
The National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 lists pangolins under the ´conserved category´ and bans any transaction and transporting of the animal. According to the Act, anyone found trading in the animal or its organs would be subject to a fine between Rs 50,000 to 100,000 or a jail term of five to 15 years or both.
Pangolin scales and other organs are consumed profusely in China because of the traditional belief about their medicinal usage. They are also used considerably for decorative purposes.
Pangolin organs are generally traded in Nepal for Rs 30,000 per kilogram whereas the same weight fetches around Rs 80,000 in Tibet. Police officials said racketeers have been enjoying greater ease in smuggling pangolin than others types of contraband mainly because of the portability of animal organs.
Around three feet long, the animals are found amply in inner Madhes districts like Sindhuli, Makawanpur and Udayapur.
Missing of scales mysterious
Police have not gained a single solid lead after week-long investigations into the missing of pangolin scales from the stores of the DFO. "We are continuing with the investigations but have not yet had any clue," said Inspector Beni Silwal.
It was disclosed last week that some 46 kilograms of pangolin scales, which was handed over to the District Forest Office by police last year, had gone missing from the office stores. The DFO and the District Police Office have been probing the case through two separate teams. Storekeeper Dilip Chaudhary has been detained for investigations.
Related story
Rare 'Tame' pangolin species found in Gorkha
