The Ministry of Tourism has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against wildlife crime.
On March 9th, Wildlife Police Officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, acting on intelligence from members of the public, intercepted a large consignment of illegal elephant ivory in Lusaka.
The operation in the Lilayi area led to the arrest of two suspects with ninety-five pieces of ivory weighing nearly 472 kilograms. Further investigations uncovered more suspects across Lusaka, bringing the total to eight detained, with six confirmed to be directly linked to the offence.
Authorities say the ivory was sourced from Western and Eastern Provinces, and evidence points to a well-organized syndicate with both local and international connections. Among those arrested is a foreign national believed to be a buyer.
The six suspects have been charged under the Wildlife Act for unlawful possession of elephant ivory and remain in custody awaiting trial. Mobile phones seized during the operation are undergoing forensic analysis.
The Ministry of Tourism has condemned wildlife crime, warning that it threatens biodiversity and undermines Zambia’s tourism sector. Officials commended members of the public for their vigilance and urged continued cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
