Security officers drawn from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) on Monday, October 9, arrested an Indonesian national at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on suspicion of wildlife trafficking.
The foreigner was found in possession of 38.4 kg of ivory, with an estimated value of Ksh10 million.
KAA officials at JKIA Terminal 1 raised the alarm during a routine passenger screening process at the airport.
“Kenyan authorities have thwarted a significant wildlife trafficking attempt at JKIA,” read part of the statement by KAA.
Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) managed to nab the foreigner moments before boarding a flight out of the country.
Officials from the Kenya Wildlife Authority (KWS) later whisked away the seized ivory and placed the suspect under their custody.
“Swift action by the KAPU led to the suspect's arrest, & the seized ivory was impounded by the KWS dealing a blow to the illegal ivory trade,” the statement further confirmed.
This incident at JKIA followed the recent arrest of two suspects at Kibwezi in Machakos County by detectives drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). DCI found the suspects in possession of wildlife trophies.
According to the police, the duo, who hail from Kajiado County, were trafficking seven pieces of Ivory weighing 7kgs with a valuation of Ksh1 million.
In Kenya, the law strictly prohibits trafficking wildlife trophies, with suspects risking up to five years in jail if found guilty.
The Wildlife Conservation Management Act further prohibits anyone from keeping or being found in possession of a wildlife trophy or dealing in a wildlife trophy.
