Singapore has seized a record 830 kilograms of Asian pangolin scales-equivalent to more than 2,200 critically endangered Sunda pangolins-in its largest wildlife trafficking bust to date.
The scales were discovered on December 29, 2025, at Jurong Scanning Station, hidden inside 30 bags falsely declared as “dried fish skin.” The inbound sea cargo was flagged during a joint operation by Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Genetic analysis confirmed the scales originated from the Sunda pangolin, native to Southeast Asia. Authorities say the shipment was transiting from Indonesia to Cambodia via Singapore.
NParks emphasized Singapore’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal wildlife trade. Convictions carry fines up to S$200,000 per specimen and up to eight years in prison.
Concurrently, NParks launched a new maritime industry guide-developed with TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWF-to help detect red flags like documentation discrepancies and anomalous cargo weight or appearance.