Illegal fighting cock smuggling ring busted in Kunak

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 7): Authorities uncovered an illegal operation involving the storage and sale of imported fighting cocks during a raid on an unnumbered house in Kampung Sungai Atas, Kunak, on Saturday.

The 9.15am raid, conducted by the General Operations Force (PGA) 22nd Battalion following intelligence reports, found the premises being used as a hub to keep and sell fighting cocks without a licence. Officers from the Sabah Veterinary Services Department (JPVS) Kunak also took part in the operation.

According to a statement from the battalion, a man emerged when officers identified themselves and admitted to owning the premises and managing the cockfighting-related activities.

“Checks uncovered dozens of fighting cocks of various breeds, along with complete care and training equipment.

“The 51-year-old Indonesian suspect also admitted that he had been involved in the activity since 1992,” the statement said.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had been smuggling fighting cocks from abroad through illegal routes before distributing them to buyers in Semporna and Lahad Datu.

“The birds were sold between RM3,000 and RM5,000 each to individuals involved in illegal cockfighting gambling on both the west and east coasts of Sabah.

“The raid also seized 81 fighting cocks of foreign breeds, various veterinary drugs believed to be illegally imported from Thailand and the Philippines, as well as cages, iron enclosures and cockfighting equipment,” it said.

The total value of the seized items is estimated at RM290,858.

All confiscated items and the suspect have been handed over to JPVS Kunak for further action under Section 15(1) of the Animal Welfare Enactment 2015.

GOF Battalion 22 reaffirmed its commitment to curbing smuggling and cross-border crimes, particularly in hotspot areas along Sabah’s east coast.