LUSAKA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's wildlife agency has arrested six people who were found in possession of 72 pieces of elephant ivory weighing more than 500 kg, state media reported on Monday.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife said the suspects were arrested along a main highway on the outskirts of Lusaka, the country's capital, following a tip-off from the public.
Dominic Chiinda, the agency's director, said the arrest of the suspects marks a significant step in the fight against wildlife crimes.
"We commend the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and conservation organizations in making this operation a success. We urge anyone with information about wildlife trafficking to come forward and cooperate with our efforts," he was quoted as saying by the Zambia Daily Mail.
He said the suspects, among whom is a foreign national from a neighboring country, will face multiple charges, including unlawful possession of prescribed trophies and hunting or dealing with elephants or rhinos.
According to him, investigations are ongoing to establish the origin and intended destination of the ivory, with preliminary indications suggesting that Zambia is being used as a transit route for smuggled wildlife products.
Zambia has witnessed an increase in poaching incidents involving endangered species. In March, suspected poachers killed and dehorned a three-year-old white rhino in a national park located in the southern part of the country. ■
