(MY) illegal trade

[Guest guest]

July 24, 2007 19:29 PM - Bernama news agency

 

 

Wildlife Syndicate Using Oil Palm Plantations As Cover For Illegal Trade

 

 

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa

 

JOHOR BAHARU, July 24 (Bernama) -- Stores or what syndicate members

refer to as " terminals " come equipped with cages and freezers to keep

live animals and fresh meat.

 

The stores located deep in oil palm plantations to avoid detection

were set up by a syndicate behind the wildlife illegal trade, said a

researcher with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) here today.

 

" The stores act as temporary holding centres until the protected

animals and meat are smuggled out of the country or ordered by

restaurants serving exotic dishes, " the researcher who declined to be

identified told Bernama.

 

The researcher who feared for his safety said the stores supply

restaurants which put exotic dishes on the menu including the much

sought after tiger meat.

 

The syndicate members also conduct regular patrols to protect the

stores from intruders.

 

" I wanted to snap photographs of the stores but was prevented by a

collegue who said it was too risky as the members carry firearms, "

said the researcher.

 

Assistant director (Enforcement) of the Wildlife Protection and

National Parks (Perhilitan) Wildlife Crime Unit, Celescoriano Razond

admitted the stores' existence.

 

" The stores are located in remote oil palm plantations and Orang Asli

settlements making detection difficult. "

 

He refused to reveal their locations as it would disrupt investigation

by his department.

 

Rezond said exotic dish restaurants rarely keep wildlife meat at their premises.

 

" The meat is taken from the stores after orders are received, " he added.

 

When contacted, Johor Perhilitan director Abdul Razak Majid said the

department would investigate the researcher's claim.

 

Recently, Perhilitan's Wildlife Crime Unit seized some 950 monkeys

destined for China and Holland from a rambutan orchard in Pontian.

 

Perhilitan had also raided several stores in oil palm plantations used

to keep protected animals and fresh meat.

 

-- BERNAMA