Gabonese law enforcement agencies, in partnership with the NGO Conservation Justice, have struck a major blow in the fight against poaching. Five individuals have been arrested for ivory trafficking in Kango, after attempting to sell nine ivory tips.
Five suspected ivory traffickers were arrested in flagrante delicto in Kango during a joint operation by the Water and Forests Department’s Anti-Poaching Division and the Ntoum Judicial Police. Among them, B.I and C.N, who were immediately arrested with nine ivory points, quickly confessed their intention to sell the trophies obtained from poaching for financial reasons.
Investigators enlarged the network by arresting W.I.N, identified as one of the owners of one of the tips seized. Two other individuals, J.F.M and J.N.L, also involved in the attempted illegal sale, were arrested shortly afterwards. The entire group was brought before the public prosecutor on 21 October 2024.
Severe penalties
The five traffickers face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines equal to five times the value of the ivory seized, according to articles 390 and 398 of the Gabonese Penal Code. These offences concern the possession, transport and attempted sale of protected species such as the elephant, without legitimate defence or protection of property.
Commitment to the fight against poaching
This successful operation demonstrates once again the active commitment of the Gabonese administration and the NGO Conservation Justice in the fight against poaching. The elephant, a fully protected species, continues to be the main victim of the illegal ivory trade, which threatens biodiversity and the ecological balance of the region.
Fanta Mabo
