Zambian Authorities Seize 550kg of Smuggled Ivory Tusks

Zambian law enforcement, in collaboration with the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), conducted a successful operation in Lusaka, seizing 550 kg of smuggled ivory tusks and arresting nine individuals, including one from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The operation was part of a broader initiative to disrupt alleged international ivory trafficking syndicates operating with impunity across Southern Africa.

Paul Newman, a senior press communications officer at EIA, stated that this operation marked a significant achievement in addressing organized crime related to wildlife trafficking. Mari Rice, the executive director of EIA, emphasized the importance of intelligence-led investigations in targeting criminal networks.

Zambia has a long history of wildlife exploitation, with significant ivory seizures dating back to 2002, making this operation particularly noteworthy in the context of ongoing challenges in wildlife protection and enforcement.