KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 24

Police have arrested four individuals in possession of a large quantity of pangolin scales, an endangered species, in Chamunda Chowk of Gokarneshwar Municipality-5, Kathmandu, on Saturday. The suspects were found with 8.5 kilograms of pangolin scales.

The pangolin is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is classified under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which prohibits international trade in the species.

Under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (NPWC) Act, individuals involved in the trade of protected species may face fines of up to Rs 100,000 and prison sentences ranging from five to 15 years. In cases of transnational crime involving two or more gang members, police may take action under the Prevention of Organized Crime (POC) Act, which can result in a 20-year prison sentence and property confiscation.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Kuber Bahadur Syangtan, 48, originally from Barahathwa Municipality-9, Sarlahi, currently residing in Jorpati, Gokarneshwar Municipality-5, Kathmandu; Santa Bahadur Gurung, 40, from Belkotgadhi Municipality-5, Nuwakot, residing in Mahalaxmi Municipality-7, Lalitpur; Raju Bishwakarma, 28, originally from Molung Rural Municipality-6, Okhaldhunga, currently living in Thali, Kageshwori Manohara Municipality-5, Kathmandu; and Madan Rai, 42, from Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-15, currently residing in New Bus Park, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-26.

The arrests were made by a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Teku, who apprehended the suspects along with the parts of the endangered animal. They have been sent to the Division Forest Office in Hattisar, Kathmandu, for further investigation and necessary action.

Pangolin scales can apparently fetch approximately USD 3,000 per kilogram on the international black market. They are in high demand in Asian markets, believed to be used in manufacturing bulletproof jackets and traditional Chinese medicine. There are widespread beliefs that pangolin scales can heal swelling, improve blood circulation, and assist mothers in milk production.