Two arrested for trafficking wild species
Upon conviction, the offense of unlawful possession of wildlife species carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Katwe: Police in Rwenzori East and Katwe Kabatoro Central Police Station have in custody two individuals on suspicion for trafficking wild animals.
Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, has identified the suspects as Lubega Frederick alias Rick, 24, a student at Makerere University, and Ankunda Isborn, 28, a suspected wildlife trafficker and a resident of Ndejje Ward, Makindye Division.
Enanga told journalists on Monday, June 17, 2024, that the duo was found in possession of 22 black and white callabus monkeys (15 alive, 7 dead), 9 purely black moneys (4 alive, 5 dead), and 7 Gabon Vipers (4 dead, 3 alive).
The police officer said that a total of 31 monkeys and 7 Gabon vipers were handed over to UWA officers so as to set the live ones free in their natural habitats and dispose of the dead.
The wildlife species were intercepted while packed in 15 boxes, in a white and green super custom, under registration number UBA 617A, on June 9, 2024, at around 9:45 p.m. at the Kikorongo fisheries checkpoint.
According to Enanga, they were being transported to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where they are exported to Europe and Asia for monetary purposes.
Enanga strongly condemned the illicit movement of wildlife species due to its negative impact on financing organized crime gangs, biodiversity loss, public health concerns, and violations of our laws.
He said that as the police, they reaffirm their commitment to work with their partners UWA, border committees, customs officials, LCs, NGOs, and the private sector in fighting the illegal trade in wildlife to ensure fear for the crimes and also promote a safer environment for wildlife.
The police mouthpiece asserted that the arrest of the duo will serve as a deterrent and help widen public awareness that poaching and illegal trade of species are punishable crimes.
Upon conviction, the offense of unlawful possession of wildlife species carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
