Kuala lumpur: A red eagle, valued at RM20,000, was among the animals seized in a raid conducted by the General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) in Kampung Bunohan, Tumpat today. The operation led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man and the confiscation of several protected wildlife species and cages, with a total estimated value of RM48,500.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, GOF Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain reported that the raid, executed at 3.15 pm, uncovered a red eagle, four ruak-ruak birds (known as the White-breasted Waterhen), a burung hantu carik kafan (short-eared owl), two musang pandan (giant flying foxes), along with five cages. Upon inspection, the suspect was unable to provide any valid licence or permit for possessing the protected wildlife, resulting in his detention for further investigation.

Ahmad Radzi stated that the suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the Kelantan Perhilitan for further investigation under Section 60 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). Initial investigations revealed that the suspect alleged the wildlife belonged to his father, who is currently in Gua Musang, and that he was merely responsible for the animals' care.