<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MINISTRY OF TOURISM COMMENDS SUCCESSFUL STING OPERATION OF A NOTORIOUS IVORY TRAFFICKER IN LUSAKA<\/em><\/strong> \u201cThis interception sends a clear message that Zambia is not a safe haven for wildlife criminals. We remain vigilant and steadfast in our mission to dismantle illegal wildlife trafficking networks. The collaboration between the public, law enforcement and conservation stakeholders is critical and we thank all those who played a role in this successful operation.\u201d Illegal dealing in wildlife products is a serious crime. Offenders will face the full force of the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Issued by FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MINISTRY OF TOURISM COMMENDS SUCCESSFUL STING OPERATION OF A NOTORIOUS IVORY TRAFFICKER IN LUSAKALusaka, Zambia 13th April, 2025The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), has apprehended a notorious ivory kingpin and five accomplices in a sting operation conducted today, 13th April 2025, in Lusaka\u2019s 6 Miles […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-4766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n
Lusaka, Zambia 13th April, 2025
The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), has apprehended a notorious ivory kingpin and five accomplices in a sting operation conducted today, 13th April 2025, in Lusaka\u2019s 6 Miles area along the Great North Road around 12:30 hours.
This operation was as the result of credible intelligence from members of the public concerning the illegal activities of a Congolese national involved in wildlife trafficking. DNPW officers from the Intelligence and Investigations Unit intercepted a silver Toyota Quantum Hiace minibus, registration number BAZ 6727 ZM, which was found loaded with elephant ivory weighing 528.8 kilograms an alarming amount that highlights the scale of this illicit trade.
72 pieces of elephant ivory packed in 20 sackbags have been confiscated from the suspects.
This milestone operation reflects Zambia\u2019s strong stance against wildlife crime and our commitment to the protection of endangered species such as elephants.
Commenting on the operation, DNPW Director Mr. Dominic Chiinda stated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The six suspects will be formally charged under the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, with the following offences: Hunting or dealing with elephant or rhinoceros \u2013 Section 127 (1)(a)(b), (2)(a)(b). Unlawful possession of a prescribed trophy \u2013 Section 130 (1)(2) as read with Section 87 (4).
The Ministry encourages members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities and pledges its continued efforts to protect Zambia\u2019s precious natural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nelly Banda (Mrs)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Tourism<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"