Four Chinese nationals were arrested last week in Kampala for their involvement in illegal wildlife trade and tax evasion.
The suspects were apprehended by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in collaboration with Uganda Police and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) following the discovery of illegal wildlife products and smuggled goods at their residence in Naguru, Kampala.
Among the items recovered were 9.4 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, two skinned pangolin carcasses, 167 cartons of smuggled premium cigarettes, and Shs27 million in cash.
The operation, which took place on November 21, was triggered by a tip-off about the storage of pangolin products at the suspects’ residence on Plot 19, Ntinda View Crescent.
The illegal wildlife trade is the fourth biggest illegal activity worldwide, behind only arms, drugs and human trafficking.
Experts estimate that at least 42 tree-climbing pangolins were killed to supply the scales and carcasses found during the raid.
Pangolins, which are critically endangered and protected under Ugandan law, are among the most trafficked mammals globally, making their illegal trade a serious threat to conservation efforts.
Further searches conducted on November 22 and 23 uncovered smuggled cigarettes, which are estimated to have evaded Shs162 million in taxes.
Intelligence suggests the residence was a distribution hub for both pangolin products and smuggled goods.
The arrested individuals, identified as Pan Yi (40), Liang Sen (26), Huang Xiaobiao (40), and Dia Yanyu (36), were initially detained at Kampala Stocks Supermarket on Luwum Street before being escorted to their residence for further investigation.
They are currently in police custody and face charges related to illegal wildlife trafficking and tax evasion.
UWA strongly condemned the illegal wildlife trade, stressing that it not only endangers Uganda’s biodiversity but also undermines the country’s conservation and tourism industries.
"UWA remains committed to protecting species from exploitation and urges the public to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking," the authority stated.