Customs stop shipment of monitor lizard skins bound for Malaysia

Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA) - Customs and quarantine authorities intercepted 1,984 monitor lizard skins suspected of being smuggled to Malaysia through Teluk Nibung Port in North Sumatra, an official said on Monday.Teluk Nibung Customs head Nurhasan Ashari said the contraband was discovered on February 8 inside two fiber boxes concealed with sand and shellfish meat.

"The suspected smuggling attempt involved hiding the skins in fiber boxes intended for shipment to Malaysia," Ashari said in a statement.

Authorities said no owner or responsible party was found at the scene during the operation.

Monitor lizards are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in the species.

They are also subject to quarantine controls due to potential animal health risks, authorities said.

Baca juga: Skouw border gate: A vital link between Indonesia and the Pacific
Baca juga: BNNP, Customs bust drug smuggling rackets in Medan, Denpasar

The seized skins were handed over to the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office in Tanjung Balai Asahan for further investigation.

Ashari said the operation reflected the vigilance of customs officers and cooperation with related agencies, adding that public reports also helped uncover the case.

He said customs would continue to work with communities to prevent illegal trade that could threaten public health and the environment.