LUSAKA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has seized 95 pieces of elephant ivory weighing about 471.8 kilograms and arrested six suspects in Lusaka, authorities said on Thursday.
Nelly Banda, principal public relations officer at the Ministry of Tourism, said the suspects were apprehended following intelligence reports from members of the public about individuals suspected of possessing elephant ivory.
According to Banda, preliminary investigations showed that the ivory had been sourced from various parts of the country.
She said the operation also pointed to the possible involvement of an organized wildlife crime network with local and international links, including a foreign national believed to be a buyer.
The suspects have been charged with unlawful possession of a prescribed trophy and are expected to appear in court, Banda added.
According to the ministry, the government will continue strengthening enforcement measures, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and working with regional and international partners to combat wildlife trafficking. ■
