SHAH ALAM: The Royal Customs Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country 6,160 kg of pangolin scales valued at RM78 million, its biggest such seizure so far this year.
The seizure was made yesterday by the Selangor (Central Zone Unit II) Customs after it detained a 20-ft container at the North Port, Port Klang, the department said in a statement today.
It said the scales were concealed among sacks of cashew nuts which were declared as the goods in the container.
“Pangolin scales are categorised as prohibited imports under the Third Schedule of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008,” said the statement.
The department said it is investigating the importer and Customs agent involved in the attempt to smuggle in the scales.
It advised members of the public who had information on any smuggling activity to contact the Customs toll-free line 1-800-88-8855. - Bernama
