(Posted 10th October 2023)
Via African Elephant News and Achieng’ Mary, K24 News
An Indonesian national was on Monday arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for illegal possession of ivory worth Ksh10 million.
According to a statement shared by the Kenya Airports Authority, the suspect was arrested moments before he boarded his plane.
The arrest was made after a vigilant security team at the airport discovered the illegal goods during the mandatory routine screening of passengers and their luggage at the airport.
The seized ivory weighing 38.4kg was destined for the Asian markets. Officers from the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) impounded the illegal goods.
“Kenyan authorities have thwarted a significant wildlife trafficking attempt at JKIA. An Indonesian national aboard flight KQ 571 was arrested for illegal possession of 38.4 kg of ivory valued at Kshs. 10M. A vigilant KAA security team manning JKIA’s Terminal 1 C discovered the illicit cargo during mandatory passenger screening. Swift action by the KAPU led to the suspect’s arrest and the seized ivory was impounded by the KWS Kenya, dealing a blow to the illegal ivory trade” the statement added.
