Acting on intelligence, officers from the Liberia Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) undertook a successful operation known as Operation PEAR. This investigation resulted in the seizure of 369 kilos of whte and black pangolin scales from the Grand Gedeh County area in Liberia. The operatives met with a regional buyer of pangolin scales who alleged to have sold scales in wholesale quantities internationally. The operation was challenging as it was located in a remote location with unreliable phone service., however the officers were able to secure a search warrant and get support from local law enforcement for the “buy bust” operation. The May 5, 2023 meeting resulted in one arrest and the seizure of the scales.