Authorities Reveal Komodo Dragon Trafficking Scheme

RRi.CO.ID, Kupang - The East Manggarai Police have uncovered an international Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) smuggling network from East Manggarai to Thailand, following the arrest of two perpetrators on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“This case is a development of the Komodo dragon theft that occurred in 2025. Its resolution was made possible through cooperation between the East Java Regional Police and the East Manggarai Police,” said Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the East Manggarai Police, First Inspector Ahmad Zacky Shodri, in Kupang on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Zacky explained that the East Manggarai Police assisted the East Java Regional Police in capturing the two suspects, Ruslan and Junaidin Yusuf, who were allegedly involved in the capture and trade of Komodo dragons. “The two suspects are believed to be part of the distribution chain in an illegal wildlife trade network that spans regions and even internationally,” he said.

Ruslan was arrested on March 29, 2026, in Londang Hamlet, Nanga Baur Village, Sambi Rampas Subdistrict, under a warrant issued by the East Java Regional Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate. Police later pursued Junaidin Yusuf, who fled for three days before surrendering on April 3, 2026.

NTT Regional Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra said his office is paying serious attention to crimes involving the trade of protected wildlife, including those linked to international networks. “The NTT Regional Police are committed to working together to dismantle protected wildlife trafficking networks to their roots,” he said in Kupang on Thursday, April 6, 2026.

The illegal trade in Komodo dragons, which are endemic to Indonesia, is considered a serious crime because it threatens the sustainability of ecosystems and biodiversity. Chandra urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to the illicit trade in endangered species.

“This disclosure also reinforces the authorities’ commitment to narrowing the scope of animal smuggling networks that exploit inter-regional and international routes,” he added. ***