Indonesian Citizen Arrested With Ivory Worth Ksh10 Million At JKIA
On Monday, October 9, security personnel from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) apprehended an Indonesian national at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on suspicion of wildlife trafficking.
The immigrant was discovered in possession of 38.4 kilograms of ivory estimated to be worth Ksh10 million.
KAA officials at JKIA Terminal 1 raised the alarm during a routine airport passenger inspection.
“Kenyan authorities have thwarted a significant wildlife trafficking attempt at JKIA,” read part of the statement by KAA.
The Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) apprehended the expatriate just before his departure from the country.
Officials from the Kenya Wildlife Authority (KWS) subsequently 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.
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This incident at JKIA followed the recent apprehension of two suspects by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kibwezi, Machakos County. The DCI discovered the suspects possessing wildlife specimens.
The pair, who are from Kajiado County, were allegedly trafficking seven pieces of ivory weighing 7 kilograms and valued at Ksh1 million.
In Kenya, wildlife trophy trafficking is rigorously prohibited by law, with suspects facing up to five years in prison if convicted.
In addition, the Wildlife Conservation Management Act prohibits anyone from retaining, possessing, or trading wildlife trophies.
Indonesian Citizen Arrested With Ivory Worth Ksh10 Million At JKIA
