An Indonesian national was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi trying to smuggle ivory out of the country.
The Indonesian national was captured by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) security officers on suspicion of wildlife trafficking.
Upon searching, the foreigner was found in possession of 38.4 kg of ivory, estimated to be worth Ksh10 million.
KAA officials at JKIA Terminal 1 detected the contraband during a routine passenger checking process at the airport.
Further checking and assessment revealed the precious tusks being neatly smuggled out of the country.
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Indonesian national arrested
The Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) arrested the foreigner just before they could board a flight out of the country.
Upon certainty of the plot to smuggle ivory, the officers swiftly apprehended the foreigner and ceased the banned goods.
Thereafter, Kenya Wildlife Authority (KWS) officials took custody of the seized tusks, and the suspect was placed under their supervision.
However, this incident at JKIA comes after the recent arrest of two suspects in Kibwezi, Machakos County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives were apprehended also trying to smuggle the banned goods.
The suspects were found in possession of wildlife trophies, including seven pieces of tusks weighing 7 kg, valued at Ksh1 million.
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The law on ivory smuggling
According the Kenyan law, it strictly prohibits wildlife trophy trafficking.
Individuals and suspects caught trafficking ivory stand to face up to five years in jail if found guilty.
The Wildlife Conservation Management Act also prohibits the possession or dealing of wildlife trophies.
Many ivory traffickers real the contraband for use to manufacture different items of high value.
Most of the ivory stolen ends up manufacturing medicinal items believed to have suspected adept properties.
However, no such properties have scientifically been proven to exist within ivory.
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