Langsa Aceh Police Arrest Elephant Bone Seller

BANDA ACEH - Members of the Langsa Police Criminal and Investigation Unit, Aceh, arrested two suspected sellers of protected animal organs in the form of elephant bones in Birem Bayeun, East Aceh Regency.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of the Langsa Police, Iptu Imam Aziz Rachman, said the two perpetrators had the initials MA (37), a resident of East Peureulak District, East Aceh Regency, and ZU (41), a resident of West Langsa, Langsa City.

"They were arrested on Friday (10/6) at around 21.00 WIB. Their modus operandi was to make a profit from the sale of the elephant bones," said Iptu Imam Aziz Rachman, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, June 21.

Both were arrested based on information from the public at that time about to sell elephant bones which were put in five white burlap sacks.

"When they were arrested, MA and ZU rode motorbikes with elephant bones in burlap sacks. They wanted to go to the army's house. AD is now entering the DPO (people looking for people)," said Iptu Imam.

From their statement, the elephant bone was obtained from a person with the nickname AM in Peureulak, East Aceh. "Furthermore, the elephant bones will be sold through the Army for Rp. 150,000 per kilogram," he said.

If all the elephant bones are sold, MA and ZU will get Rp 7 million. However, the elephant bones have not been sold because they were both arrested by the police.

Both were charged with violating Article 21 Paragraph (2) letter (d) in conjunction with Article 40 Paragraph (2) of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems.

"The threat is a maximum sentence of 5 years and a maximum fine of IDR 100 million. Both are now being detained at the Langsa Police Headquarters," said Iptu Imam Aziz Rachman.