Police seize elephant tusks worth Ksh10.6M in Embu

Police in Embu have seized three elephant tusks with an estimated market value of about 10.6 million shillings.

In a statement, the authorities said the three pieces weigh approximately 53Kgs.

During the operation conducted on Friday, September 22, 2023, officers with the aid of the Kenya Wildlife Services Officers also arrested two unnamed suspects.

“The two suspects have since been taken to police custody awaiting arraignment in Court for the offences of dealing in and/or possession of Wildlife Trophy,” NPS said.

In the past (the 1980s and 1990s), Kenya experienced high levels of illegal wildlife trafficking mainly targeting elephant and rhino poaching which threatened the survival of both species. 

This has however declined significantly but there has been an upsurge in recent years.

Elephant ivory is typically smuggled to Asia where it is carved into ornaments and rhino horn is used in traditional medicine.