Two men have been arrested in Kenya on suspicion of wildlife trafficking following the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of elephant tusks, authorities have confirmed.
The arrests were made after a coordinated, intelligence-led operation by Kenyan law enforcement agencies, which officials say demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to tackling wildlife crime and protecting the country’s natural heritage.
According to investigators, the suspects were intercepted during a sting operation at a hotel in the border town of Namanga. The operation involved a staged transaction designed to lure the alleged traffickers.
Three men, a Kenyan national and two Tanzanians, were initially targeted by authorities. However, one of the Tanzanian suspects managed to flee after realising the deal was a setup. The remaining two were arrested at the scene.
The suspects later led officers to their vehicles parked outside the hotel. Police say one vehicle contained a weighing scale, while the other was found to be carrying 20 pieces of elephant tusks. The ivory is estimated to be worth about $90 000 on the illegal market.
Kenya has some of the toughest laws against ivory trafficking and wildlife poaching in Africa. Conservation officials say sustained enforcement efforts over the past few decades have contributed to a significant recovery in the country’s elephant population.
–ChannelAfrica–
