KUALA LUMPUR: The police's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence Division of the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department, together with the Sabah Veterinary Services Department, have raided and shut down two illegal facilities storing cockfighting roosters in Sandakan, Sabah.
Bukit Aman's Force 1 organisational investigation staff officer Deput Supt Muhammad Juwaidi Ismail said the operation dubbed Ops Taring Sangkar was conducted at 12.15pm on Tuesday (May 12).
The operation was led by Asst Comm Mohamed Sazif Mohamed Subri and involved officers from Bukit Aman and Sandakan.
Muhammad Juwaidi said the two raids were conducted at Batu 7, Jalan Airport and an unnumbered building in the same area.
"The raids led to the arrests of two men, aged 30 and 43, for keeping fighting cocks without valid permits," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said in the first raid, authorities seized 18 roosters, a decoy rooster, three spur gloves, three cages and various supplements, including Vitamin B12 and multivitamin tablets.
At the second location, police seized 69 roosters, a decoy rooster, five cages and five spur gloves.
Police also found various poultry medicines and 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 said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 15(1) of the Sabah Animal Enactment 2015.
Muhammad Juwaidi said all suspects and seized items were handed over to the Sabah Veterinary Services Department in Sandakan for further action.
He said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and illegal activities related to cockfighting in the state. – Bernama
