Three arrested for smuggling 33 protected birds
By Julius Sakala
Three people have been arrested in Northern Province, for smuggling 33 protected wild birds, which include Eagles, Shoebills and Saddle-billed Storks.
The 3 suspects, who include two Zambians and a Tanzanian, were intercepted on the Mbala-Nakonde road in Mbala district, by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
The suspects were found with 23 Eagles, 7 Saddle-billed Storks and 2 Shoebills, which were concealed in sacks on a vehicle, without valid permits.
The suspects have since been jointly charged with illegal possession of protected trophy and illegal possession of government trophy, under the Zambia Wildlife Act.
This is according to a statement released to ZNBC by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Lusaka.
