Scales of justice tip against smugglers

INDICATIONS that the illegal trade in endangered animals is booming were revealed when Philippine authorities seized large shipments of ant-eater and turtle parts yesterday.

Fifty-eight pounds of Philippine pangolin, or anteater, about to be smuggled to Manila as goat meat, was confiscated at Puerto Princesa city airport.

Earlier this week, 209lbs of pangolin scales and 200lbs of shell from endangered hawksbill and green turtles were seized at the same airport. Pangolin is a Chinese delicacy and its scales are used in Chinese traditional medicine.