Padang, W Java, Sept. 24 -- Indonesian wildlife authorities and police have uncovered an illegal trade ring involving pangolin scales in West Sumatra, seizing over 25 kilograms and arresting three suspects.

A joint team from the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and regional police made the arrests in Padang during a raid targeting traffickers dealing in body parts from protected species.

"Alongside the seizure of pangolin scales, we arrested three suspects believed to be part of a broader trafficking network dealing in Appendix I-protected wildlife," BKSDA head Hartono told reporters.

Authorities confiscated a sack of pangolin scales weighing more than 25 kg and a vehicle used to transport the contraband. The ...