By Katy Jabi Chale
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Two individuals have been arrested in Tibati, Djerem Division of Cameroon’s Adamawa Region for attempting to illegally sell approximately 90 kilograms of giant pangolin scales, an act equivalent to the slaughter of about 35 giant pangolins, one of Cameroon’s most endangered species.
The arrest took place near the town’s bus station, thanks to a joint operation involving the Djerem Divisional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife, the Tibati Gendarmerie, and technical support from the Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA), a leading wildlife law enforcement NGO in Cameroon.
Eyewitnesses described how the suspects arrived on a motorcycle, with two grain sacks of scales sandwiched between them. Preliminary investigations identified one suspect as a mechanic, and the other a bushmeat dealer, both allegedly part of a wider trafficking network sourcing pangolin scales from surrounding villages and distributing them to urban centers like Ngaoundere.
The duo is currently in detention, while the motorcycle and the pangolin scales are being held as evidence. Though recent data from the Wildlife Justice Commission suggests a decrease in pangolin trafficking globally, conservationists warn against complacency. According to Tah Kaba Eric, Deputy Director of LAGA, the drop in reported trade volumes may reflect a change in trafficking methods rather than an actual decline. “The trade could be going deeper underground, complicating enforcement,” he noted.
Pangolins are critically endangered due to persistent demand for their scales in traditional medicine, especially in parts of Asia. This arrest comes under the scope of Cameroon’s 2024 revised wildlife law, which significantly strengthens penalties for illegal wildlife trafficking. Under the new legislation, individuals found guilty of Pangolin trafficking now face between 15 to 20 years in prison and fines ranging from 20 to 50 million CFA.
This successful operation highlights the continued vigilance of Cameroonian authorities and NGOs in protecting endangered wildlife, despite evolving challenges. It underscores the importance of community reporting, multi-agency collaboration, and legal enforcement in curbing illegal wildlife trade.
