RRI.CO.ID, Kupang - The East Java Regional Police and East Manggarai Resort Police have successfully intercepted an international wildlife trafficking network in a collaborative crackdown. The group was attempting to smuggle Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to Thailand.

The operation, which led to the arrest of two key suspects on Flores Island (NTT), underscores the sophisticated nature of illegal trade targeting Indonesia’s most iconic endemic species.

East Manggarai Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief, First Police Inspector Ahmad Zacky Shodri, confirmed the breakthrough on Thursday, April 9, 2026. He revealed that the current arrests are a direct expansion of an investigation into Komodo theft cases that first surfaced in 2025.

During the operation, East Manggarai authorities provided critical tactical support to East Java investigators to secure the suspects, identified as R and JY.

"The two suspects are believed to be part of a distribution chain in an illegal wildlife trade network involving cross-regional to overseas operations," said Ahcmad Zacky, as quoted by Antara.

The first suspect, R, was apprehended in Sambi Rampas on March 29, 2026. His arrest eventually led authorities to JY, who surrendered on April 3 after three days on the run.

The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police have signaled that this case is a top priority, citing the threat to biodiversity. Police Public Relations Chief, Sr. Com. Henry Novika Chandra, emphasized that the force is committed to dismantling these networks entirely.

“The NTT Regional Police are committed to continuing to work in synergy to eradicate protected wildlife trade networks to their very roots,” he said.

Henry further noted that the trafficking of Komodo dragons is a severe crime that endangers Indonesia's ecological heritage. By disrupting this smuggling route to Thailand, authorities hope to send a clear message to international syndicates.

The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities to help narrow the operational space for traffickers who exploit regional borders for international gain. ***