Indonesian authorities in Pekanbaru, Riau province have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 14 kilograms of pangolin scales.

Footage from Thursday (June 12) shows an officer at the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) count the pangolin scales, which were packaged in small plastic bags.

The pangolin is believed to be the world's most trafficked mammal.

Pangolins are commonly killed for their scales in traditional Chinese medicine and their meat is a delicacy in China and Vietnam.

The Chinese government has removed pangolin scales from its 2020 list of approved ingredients used in traditional Chinese medicine.