DCI says endangered pangolin is worth about Sh4 million in Kenya

The Directorate of criminal investigations has announced the arrest of three suspects from Kwale who were found in possession of a male pangolin with the intention to slaughter for illegal trade purposes.

Through a statement, the DCI identified the three as Pas Mwiti, 30, Kabwere Tembe, 26, and Salim Nduria, 22, who were arrested in Kinanago, Kwale following a tip-off from members of the public.

The scary mammal with a full armor of scales is one of the world's most trafficked animals, with international demand for its parts and scales having skyrocketed in the last decade. According to the report, the officers from the DCI posed as businessmen interested in purchasing the endangered animal before pouncing on the suspects from their hideout and saving the animal. This however did not go down without a fight. "Two of the suspects attempted to set the animal free and took flight. This prompted the detectives to give chase before restraining the suspects and rescuing the endangered animal," their statement read.

They were immediately evacuated from Kwale to the DCI Headquarters in Nairobi for questioning in an attempt to have them reveal their financiers who may be part of a growing international syndicate involved in the lucrative illegal trade of the shy mammal.

Pangolins fetch a fortune in the black market since their scales are believed to be used for spiritual protection and financial rituals, a fact that has yet to be proven, making the nocturnal mammal that feeds on ants one of the most trafficked in the world.

'In Kenya, one such animal goes for approximately Sh4 million', said the report. Meanwhile, the animal has since been handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service personnel at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. The DCI has warned that its officers are on high alert for similar cases.