601 kg of illegal ivory seized in Nairobi, investigations underway

[ [Latest News] ] [ View Archives ]

A KWS ranger stands guard next to the ivory pile that was to be set ablaze at the Tsavo West National Park in the past

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Canine Unit together with Police and Customs officials at Kenya’s main airport in Nairobi have intercepted 345 pieces of raw ivory weighing 601 kg destined for Lagos, Nigeria.

The ivory, packed in six crates and sprayed with pepper to prevent dogs from sniffing it, had been further covered with aluminium foil.

The illegal cargo, which was to be flown on Ethiopian Airlines, was intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.  

Investigation to determine the origin and owners of the illegal ivory is underway while

The cargo is being moved to KWS headquarters in Nairobi and will be displayed to journalists at an appropriate time. 

The round-the-clock surveillance has been enhanced at all Kenya’s exit and entry points while the sniffer dogs  and their handlers have proved incorruptible and have once again outsmarted the smugglers. No effort will be spared in ensuring that no illegal wildlife product leaves or transits through our country as provided for by Kenyan and international law (United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna-CITES).