Athmallik, Oct 6: The Forest Department on Tuesday achieved a major success in its crackdown on the illegal wildlife trade after seizing 187 pieces of pangolin scales from a chicken shop in Talabijapur village under the Athmallik Forest Division in Odisha’s Angul district.

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According to the Forest Department, the seized pangolin scales were recovered from the possession of Prakash Chandra Pradhan, who allegedly operated a chicken shop in the village. The recovery has raised concerns over the illegal trade in pangolin body parts, which are reportedly traded for high prices in illicit markets.

187 Pangolin Scales Recovered

Officials said the 187 pieces of pangolin scales recovered during the operation could fetch lakhs of rupees in the illegal market. Pangolins are among the rare and protected wildlife species and are frequently targeted by poachers and traffickers for their scales.

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Following the seizure, the Forest Department initiated legal proceedings against Pradhan under the relevant provisions of wildlife protection laws. The accused was subsequently taken into custody and produced before a court, along with the seized pangolin scales, as part of the legal process.

Surveillance Intensified

Forest officials intensified surveillance and enforcement measures to detect and prevent the trafficking of wildlife and their body parts. The seizure of the pangolin scales is expected to further aid the department's efforts to identify and act against those involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

Furthermore, the Forest Department warned of taking strict legal action against individuals involved in poaching, possession or illegal trade of the endangered and protected wildlife.