Maluku BKSDA Foils Smuggling of Five Coconut Crabs in Ambon

The Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle five coconut crabs (Birgus latro) at the Yos Sudarso Port passenger terminal in Ambon. The protected species were discovered during an inspection of passenger belongings using an X-ray machine. The five coconut crabs have been temporarily secured at the port post before being handed over to the Maluku Islands Wildlife Conservation Centre for further handling. BKSDA Maluku emphasised that this operation is part of ongoing supervision of plant and wildlife traffic at entry and exit points across Maluku to prevent the illegal trade of protected species. The agency urged the public not to capture, keep, trade, or transport protected wildlife without permits, warning that violations carry criminal penalties including imprisonment and fines.