MORE than RM64 million worth of smuggled wildlife and contraband were seized in operations conducted nationwide so far this year, police secretary Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said.

In a statement, she said Bukit Aman’s Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB), which falls under the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department, also detained 88 individuals in 35 raids from January 1 to 20.

“Those detained were 73 locals and 15 foreigners. The WCB also seized smuggled items worth RM64.7 million,” she said in a statement.

Some RM42 million worth of smuggled items were seized under the Customs Act 1967, RM1.2 million under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, Explosives Act 1957 (RM7.7 million), Supply Act 1961 (RM10.7 million), Poison Act 1952 (RM2.2 million) and section 170 of the penal code (RM5,200).

Noorsiah said the police, through the department, would continue to work together with other enforcement agencies to combat the smuggling of contraband and other crimes.

“We also encourage the cooperation of the public in supplying relevant information so that we can take action,” she said.

Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani last year said the WCB was set up to give more strength in the country’s efforts to protect wildlife.

“The government had approved 50 positions for the bureau last month. We thank the government for this.

“The WCB will provide a more effective impact in the war against wildlife crimes like poaching and illegal wildlife trade,” The Star reported him as saying. – January 24, 2023.