Sandakan: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman WCB/PSK JKDNKA Force 1 Organisational Investigation Staff Officer DSP Muhammad Juwaidi Ismail stated that the operation, dubbed Op Taring Sangkar, commenced 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 explained that the two raids targeted locations at Batu 7, Jalan Airport, and an unnumbered premise in the same vicinity. '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 mentioned in a statement today.
During the first raid, authorities confiscated 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. Additionally, police discovered 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 stated, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 15(1) of the Sabah Animal Enactment 2015. Muhammad Juwaidi confirmed that all suspects and seized items were handed over to the Sabah Veterinary Services Department in Sandakan for further action.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and illegal activities related to cockfighting in the state.