Bukit Aman internal security and public order department’s wildlife crime bureau commander, Zaki Ashar, said the 53-year-old owner of the shop was arrested during the raid at 9.45am, Bernama reported.

Inspections uncovered 16 tusks believed to be from wild boars, nine teeth believed to be from tigers, 10 teeth believed to be from bears, 13 bezoar stones and 394 swiftlet nests weighing 2.243kg.

“The man admitted to purchasing swiftlet nests and bezoar stones from a supplier in Lintas, Sabah, without a valid licence or permit.

“The protected wildlife parts are believed to have been obtained from villagers in Tawau at low prices before being sold in the local market around Kota Kinabalu,” he said.

Zaki said the suspect and seized items were taken to the Kota Kinabalu police headquarters before being handed over to the Sabah wildlife department for further action.