Zambian authorities arrested six individuals, including a Congolese national described by officials as a key figure in transnational wildlife trafficking, during a sting operation in Lusaka, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) reported on Monday.
The operation followed a tip-off from members of the public concerning the illegal activities of a Congolese national involved in wildlife trafficking. DNPW officers from the Intelligence and Investigations Unit intercepted a silver Toyota Quantum Hiace minibus, registration number BAZ 6727 ZM, which was found loaded with elephant 72 pieces of elephant ivory packed in 20 sacks, weighing 528.8 kilograms (1,166 pounds) equivalent to tusks from about 36 elephants, an alarming amount that highlights the scale of this illicit trade.
DNPW Director Mr. Dominic Chiinda sends a strong warning, stating that Zambia is committed to fighting illegal wildlife trafficking and will not tolerate criminals operating within its borders.
“This interception sends a clear message that Zambia is not a safe haven for wildlife criminals. We remain vigilant and steadfast in our mission to dismantle illegal wildlife trafficking networks. The collaboration between the public, law enforcement and conservation stakeholders is critical and we thank all those who played a role in this successful operation.”
The suspects face charges including illegal hunting, possession of prohibited trophies, and trafficking under Zambia’s Wildlife Act, which carries penalties of up to 25 years in prison.
Zambia has ramped up anti-poaching efforts in recent years, deploying specialized units and community outreach programs to combat illegal wildlife trade, a multibillion-dollar global industry driving the slaughter of tens of thousands of African elephants annually.
