Ever heard of pangolins? They’re scaly creatures similar to ant eaters, and they’re the most trafficked animal in the world. It is a crime to catch, trade, or kill them.
32-year-old Taiwanese national William Lee was held in custody for selling pangolins, locally known as balintog, while running a legitimate seafood business in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Police authorities caught Lee with two dead pangolins after receiving a tip from one of his own staff members, reports ABS-CBN News.
According to Police Senior Inspector Mark Allen Palacio, an informant told them that Lee has weekly transactions involving the critically endangered animal.
The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and the police will conduct further investigations about how Lee managed to to use his existing business to illegally sell pangolins.
Lee is now facing charges for violation of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
By law, the killing of pangolin carries a jail term of up to twelve years and a fine of up to PHP1 million.
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