Two suspected ivory traffickers were arrested in Mitzic on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, during a joint operation conducted by the Directorate of Anti-Poaching under the Ministry of Water and Forests, the provincial branch of the Judicial Police in Oyem, with the support of the NGO Conservation Justice.
The suspects, apprehended in possession of two ivory tusks, face severe penalties in accordance with the Gabonese Penal Code.
The first suspect, identified as M.F, was caught red-handed while attempting to sell the ivory tusks. Quickly apprehended by law enforcement, he admitted to being at the location to sell the ivory for financial gain. During his interrogation, M.F acknowledged being aware that the possession, transport, and sale of ivory without authorization are illegal in Gabon.
As part of the investigation, agents also apprehended his alleged accomplice, N.R, the driver of the taxi that transported M.F to the transaction site. Although N.R initially denied knowing about the illegal content he was transporting, he eventually confessed to his involvement under pressure from investigators.
Both men face a prison sentence of up to ten years, as well as a fine equivalent to five times the value of the seized ivory, in accordance with articles 390 and 398 of the Penal Code. These offenses are considered serious and cannot be justified by self-defense or the protection of property, given that there was illegal possession and an attempt to sell a protected product.
Fanta Mabo
