In a coordinated effort, the Special Wildlife Investigations Unit (SWIU), supported by Focused Conservation and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), successfully conducted a joint operation known as Operation Lime. This operation, which took place on 10 July 2024 in Monrovia, Liberia, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 525 kilograms of pangolin scales.
The SWIU is comprised of officers from the Liberian National Police, the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and the Liberia Revenue Authority Customs Department. This unit receives mentorship in Liberia from Focused Conservation, enhancing their capability to combat wildlife trafficking.
Operation Lime was initiated based on intelligence provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission as part of an ongoing investigation into the trafficking of pangolin scales from Africa to Asia. The intelligence analysis revealed links between a key Liberian suspect and a pangolin scale trafficking network in Nigeria.
This operation highlights the successful collaboration between the Wildlife Justice Commission, Focused Conservation, and all relevant authorities and partners, ensuring the seamless execution of this critical mission. This operation represents the largest reported seizure of pangolin scales in Liberia and follows other successful operations where over 1.4 tonnes of pangolin scales have been seized since the Special Wildlife Investigations Unit was formed in May 2023,” noted a spokesperson for Focused Conservation.
This significant achievement underscores the dedication and effectiveness of the joint efforts to protect wildlife from illegal trafficking and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
