10-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) A member of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Damien Tan Guan Rong, aged 21, confessed in court on Wednesday to the illicit act of picking up a pregnant pangolin from a park connector and subsequently selling it for S$1,400 (US$1,050). The admission came during the plea for one charge under the Wildlife Act, with three additional charges to be considered during sentencing.
Tan’s charges include taking the protected pangolin from a park connector, housing the creature in his Punggol residence, and failing to provide adequate water and suitable food for the pangolin. The pangolin was sourced from a park connector along Yio Chu Kang Road in the early hours of July 2, 2023.
After keeping the pangolin in his home for a few days, Tan advertised the endangered species for sale on a Telegram chat group dedicated to exotic pets in Singapore. He received offers and negotiated with potential buyers, eventually striking a deal with a co-accused, Lee Kian Han, 35, who agreed to purchase the pangolin for S$1,400.
The transaction occurred on July 4, 2023, in Jurong West, with Lee paying Tan via PayNow. Subsequently, the National Parks Board (NParks) seized the pangolin from Lee after discovering the sale advertisement. NParks conducted a covert operation, meeting Lee and recovering the pangolin.
The pangolin, identified as a Sunda pangolin, a protected species, was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation and examination center. An animal health assessment revealed the pangolin to be pregnant and “very hungry” upon admission.
The prosecution stated that NParks has been unable to recover the S$1,400 from Tan. The court heard that the prosecution might seek a fine ranging from S$8,000 to S$10,000.
In Tan’s defense, his lawyer highlighted his client’s monthly donations to the Wildlife Conservation Society. The judge suggested Tan make a donation of S$1,400 to cover the sum, and the defense lawyer agreed to liaise with the prosecutor on this matter.
The case has been adjourned to February 29 for sentencing. Selling a protected wildlife species can lead to a jail term of up to two years, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both. Conservationists and wildlife advocates are closely monitoring the case, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to protect endangered species from illegal wildlife trade.
