Three individuals were arrested on July 30 and August 1, 2025, in the town of Kango with four elephant tusks, two hunting rifles, and several cartridges intended for both small and large game.
This operation was the result of a joint effort by the Anti-Poaching Department (DLCB) of the Forestry and Water Services, the Judicial Police (PJ) of Ntoum, and the NGO Conservation Justice.
The first suspect, identified as a middleman, was apprehended during the illegal transaction in Kango, located in the Estuaire province, about 80 kilometers east of Libreville, the capital city.
The second suspect was arrested in Oyane village, just a few kilometers from Kango. He is believed to have acted as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer.
The third individual, identified as the owner of the ivory tusks, was arrested on August 1, 2025, in Siat Gabon following a thorough investigation by the DLCB and PJ teams.
During searches conducted on July 30 and August 1 at the homes of two of the suspects in Oyane and Siat Village, the PJ officers found a total of two hunting rifles (12-gauge) and 18 cartridges.
They also seized a .460 rifles bullet, suggesting the possible presence of a large-caliber hunting weapon.
At the time of publishing this press release, the suspects—initially held in custody at the PJ offices in Ntoum—have been transferred to the Special Prosecutor’s Office in Libreville.
Two of them have been placed in pretrial detention at the Libreville central prison.
Caught in the act of possessing and attempting to sell four ivory tusks, considered wildlife trophies from a fully protected species in Gabon, the two suspects facing charges risk up to 10 years in prison and a fine equal to five times the value of the seized items, in accordance with Articles 390 and 398 of the Gabonese Penal Code.
Conservation Justice
