Three individuals, found in Narok to possess four elephant tusks valued at more than Sh2 million, have been taken into custody.
Detectives from the DCI’s Serious Crime Unit and local police conducted a coordinated operation that resulted in the trio’s arrest, according to a statement released by Directorate of Criminal Investigations chief Mohamed Amin.
“The tusks weighing 27kg with an estimated street value of Sh2.7 million were found in their possession. The three have been locked up in cells pending arraignment,” Amin said.
He said the suspects were taken into custody in Narok North’s Kisiriri area.
According to the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013, he added, they will face charges.
The Act’s Section 92(4) forbids the possession of wildlife trophy related to endangered species.
Three weeks ago, at the Elgeyo Marakwet market’s Kapsokwony market, three additional suspects were apprehended in possession of elephant tusks valued at Sh3.5 million. This arrest and seizure marks the latest development in the ongoing fight against poaching.
According to the police, a group of rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service and police ambushed the men while they were transporting the trophies on a motorcycle.
The ivory had been hidden inside a potato sack.
Four people were also detained in separate events in November 2023, and elephant tusks valued at Sh13 million were found.
