Four citizens have been arrested  for violating provisions of the wildlife law in the wilayat of Thumrait in Dhofar. They were arrested by wildlife inspectors of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) in cooperation with the ROP and the Office for Conservation of Environment at the Diwan of Royal Court. 

They were arrested for poaching using a vehicle and weapons, a statement from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs said.  

It added that the accused had been referred to the competent authorities and legal action would be taken against them.  

As per the law, anyone who intentionally kills, hunts or smuggles any of the animals or birds described in the law shall be deemed to be in violation of the provisions of Royal Decree 6/2003 on the Law on Nature Reserves and the Conservation of Wildlife.  

Penalties for culprits include imprisonment for a period not less than six months and not more than five years and a fine not less than RO1,000 and not more than RO5,000 or either of the penalties.  

MECA calls on citizens, residents and tourists to preserve the environment and not violate the wildlife law.