SINGAPORE COOPERATES WITH KENYA AND SENDS BLOOD IVORY SHIPMENT BACK TO MOMBASA
(Posted 23rd December 2016)
Nearly two tons of blood ivory were returned from Singapore to Kenya after a tip off and then exemplary cooperation between the two countries.
Kenyan officials had gotten wind of the shipment after the containers left on a ship bound for Singapore but managed to recall the cargo which consisted of marked tusks and ivory pieces, suggesting they contraband had been stolen from government stores.
In recent days were several shipments of blood ivory intercepted in Cambodia, all allegedly destined for China, where the greed for the ‘white gold‘, unchecked by the Chinese government, continues to cause the slaughter of the African elephant population.
Poaching in parts of Africa is still out of control while in other countries the dramatically reduced numbers have seen poaching gangs shift their operations elsewhere, the Selous Game Reserve being a case in point.
Kenyan conservationists were prompt to suggest that only collusion at the port could have let the shipment through after stringent measures of cargo screening were introduced to allow customs and security officials to detect contraband like ivory but also drugs.
The last CITES convention in South Africa failed to extend greater protection for the African elephant after the European Union sabotaged the efforts led by Kenya and other East African countries by suddenly switching sides and voting against proposals of added protection.
