KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — The police seized a Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) bird of prey estimated to be worth RM100,000 in a raid at Taman Sungai Kapar Indah, Kapar, yesterday.
The bird, suspected of being kept without a licence, was seized in Op Bersepadu Khazanah by the Royal Malaysian Police's (PDRM) Federal Reserve Unit's (FRU) Intelligence Branch in collaboration with the Selangor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).
FRU commander SAC Rosli Md Yusof said a 21-year-old man was also arrested in the operation at a residence at 9.40pm.
"The suspect failed to produce any authorisation documents to own, keep, or preserve the wildlife during the inspection.
"The seizure of this species is believed to be among the rare cases of Black-winged Kite ownership reported in wildlife enforcement operations in this country," he said in a post on the FRU's official Facebook page today.
Rosli added that whether it was the first seizure of its kind still needed confirmation based on Perhilitan's official records.
The case is being investigated under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, while the suspect was released on bail to enable Perhilitan Selangor to complete the investigation.
He said the Black-winged Kite is a bird of prey in the Accipitridae family with a wide natural distribution, especially in Africa and tropical Asia, as well as in several parts of Europe.
"This species is easily recognised by its white and grey body colour, black markings on the wings and red eyes. It usually inhabits open areas and hunts small animals, especially rats,” Rosli said.
The success of the operation was the result of information sharing and close cooperation between PDRM and Perhilitan in efforts to combat illegal wildlife ownership and exploitation.
PDRM, through FRU, will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with Perhilitan and related enforcement agencies.
"Any information on illegal wildlife ownership, smuggling or trading activities will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken," he said.
