Police launch manhunt for suspect in illegal ivory trade, arrest one

Elephant tusks valued at Sh5.1 million nabbed in Salawa area on January 31, 2021. [File, Standard].

Police in Migori have launched a search for a suspect implicated in an alleged illegal ivory trade. 

Kuria West Sub-County Police Commander Reuben Bett, who confirmed the arrest, said they acted on a tip-off from residents who led them to a residential home where two men were found in illegal possession of elephant tusks weighing 28 kilograms.

They were traced to their hideout in a residential home in Kehancha town at 9 am.

During the joint operation that was led by police together with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the team managed to arrest one suspect while the other one, who is believed to be a mastermind in illegal ivory trade, escaped.

Police have since launched their investigations and are in hot pursuit of the suspect, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

"We have processed the one we arrested and he would be arraigned in court," Mr. Bett said.

Bett asked members of the public to provide any information that would help lead to the arrest of the second suspect.