A multi-agency team drawn from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has arrested two suspected wildlife traffickers and recovered elephant tusks valued at approximately Sh11 million.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations targeting an illegal wildlife trade network involving two Tanzanian nationals and one Kenyan.
The operation was conducted at Mufassa Hotel, where the suspects were believed to be meeting a potential buyer. Officers arrested Imani Manasi Msumbwa, a Tanzanian, and Alton Jilaoneka, a Kenyan national. Another Tanzanian suspect, Justin Mwalima, escaped during the operation and is still being sought by authorities.
Following the arrests, the suspects led officers to their parked vehicles, where further evidence was recovered. A search of a Toyota Mark X uncovered 20 pieces of elephant tusks weighing a total of 110 kilograms, hidden in the boot. A second vehicle, a Nissan Fairlady, was found with a weighing machine, believed to have been used in the illegal trade.
“The suspects were escorted together with the impounded motor vehicles and exhibits to Namanga Police Station, where they are undergoing processing pending arraignment,” the DCI said.
The DCI added that the operation highlights the government’s commitment to fighting wildlife trafficking through multi-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting endangered species and Kenya’s natural heritage.
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