West Kalimantan Regional Police Confiscate 15 Protected Animals And Detain One Person In Mempawah

Confiscation of protected animals in West Kalimantan (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The West Kalimantan Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate seized 15 black-headed muskrats (Lorius lory), protected animals, and detained a resident in Mempawah because of illegal possession of the protected animal.

"We have secured a man with the initials LKT (51), a resident of Mempawah Hilir District, Mempawah Regency because of illegal possession of protected animals or there is no official permit," said Head of Sub-Directorate IV Tipidter for West Kalimantan Police Special Criminal Investigation, AKBP Sardo Sibarani, in his written statement, in Pontianak, reported by Antara, Wednesday, January 20.

The disclosure of the alleged criminal act was due to information from the public regarding the occupants of a house in Mempawah Hilir District, Mempawah Regency, who owned protected animals.

Following up on this information, the police went to the address of the owner of the house suspected of harboring the protected animal.

"When the officers arrived at the house, we immediately examined and found 15 protected animals, namely 13 black-headed muskrats, and two black-headed muskrats, which are still young," he said.

He stated that the evidence for the 15 protected animals had been entrusted to the West Kalimantan Province Natural Resources Conservation Center.

"For the owners of these animals, we are still doing further examinations. For these animals, we will coordinate with the BKSDA to release them or return them to their habitat in natural forests in Java Island.