Bukit Aman, Sabah Veterinary Dept Seize Fighting Cocks Worth RM529,245 In Sandakan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) Division of the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA), together with the Sabah Veterinary Services Department, today raided and shut down two illegal facilities storing cockfighting roosters in Sandakan, Sabah.

Bukit Aman WCB/PSK JKDNKA Force 1 Organisational Investigation Staff Officer DSP Muhammad Juwaidi Ismail said the operation dubbed Op Taring Sangkar was conducted at 12.15 pm.

The operation was led by ACP Mohamed Sazif Mohamed Subri and involved officers from WCB/PSK and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Sandakan District Police Headquarters.

Muhammad Juwaidi said the two raids were conducted at Batu 7, Jalan Airport, and an unnumbered premise in the same area.

“The raids led to the arrest of two men, aged 30 and 43, suspected of keeping fighting cocks believed to be foreign breeds without valid licences. Checks confirmed that no permits were held for the roosters being stored,” he said in a statement today.

He said in the first raid, authorities seized 18 suspected fighting cocks, a decoy rooster, three spur gloves, three cages, and various supplements, including Vitamin B12 and multivitamin tablets.

At the second location, police seized 69 suspected fighting cocks, a decoy rooster, five cages, and five spur gloves.

Police also found various poultry medicines, including four packets of Ambroxitil Max, multivitamin-mineral products, several brands of specialised vitamins and five syringes.

“The total value of the seizures is estimated at RM529,245, with RM153,490 from the first location and RM375,755 from the second,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 15(1) of the Sabah Animal Enactment 2015.

Muhammad Juwaidi said all suspects and seized items were handed over to the Sabah Veterinary Services Department in Sandakan for further action.

He said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and illegal activities related to cockfighting in the state.

-- BERNAMA