Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Officers) have apprehended six suspects in relation to a suspected poaching ring.
During the careful planned midnight operation, the officers recovered illegal wildlife cargo and a firearm.
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the officers acted on reliable intelligence indicating that a motor vehicle was transporting armed suspects and contraband wildlife products, which led to the officers to take up strategic positions along the Garissa – Daadab road at Alango Arba in Fafi Sub-County.
“Acting on credible intelligence about a motor vehicle ferrying armed individuals and illegal wildlife cargo, the vigilant officers strategically positioned themselves along the Garissa–Daadab road at Alango Arba (Hagarbul) in Fafi Sub-County. Under the cover of darkness and in the stillness of the midnight hour, the trap was set”, part of the statement read.
Additionally, a search of the vehicle uncovered roughly 200 kilograms of suspected giraffe meat and a giraffe head carcass, estimated to be worth Ksh 200,000.
Among other items recovered included seven mobile phones, believed to have been used to coordinate the illegal trade, were also recovered.
“A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 200 kilograms of suspected giraffe meat, alongside a giraffe head carcass—a grim testament to the brutal reality of wildlife poaching. The haul is estimated to be worth KSh 200,000. Additionally, seven assorted mobile phones were recovered, believed to be instrumental in coordinating the illegal operation”, the statement added.
The recovered firearm and ammunition were have been secured as exhibits at KWS Garissa Station.
The suspects on the other hand were first held at Garissa Police Station before being transferred to KWS Headquarters in Nairobi, where they are awaiting formal charges.
