Chinese men alleged to have tried to smuggle ivory (Botswana)
Chinese men alleged to have tried to smuggle ivory (Botswana)
Khonani Ontebetse, Botswana Gazette
18 February 2010
Police are investigating two Chinese nationals, Wei Ma, 27, and Li Sen, 49, following an incident in which an ivory tusk was discovered at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKA).
The suspects are alleged to have attempted to smuggle the tusk to China. Information reaching The Gazette is that there is a new black-market trade in elephant tusks from tourism destinations such as Maun and Kasane.
SSKA Station Commander King Tshebo told The Gazette: “Yes I can confirm that we are investigating two Chinese aged 27 and 49. The first suspect has already appeared before the court. When quizzed he claimed that he was given the ivory tusk by the second suspect to take to China on his behalf,” said Tshebo.
He said the two men are employed by the Tuwana Construction Company in Maun.
Tshebo said Ma was arrested following an X-ray screening at the airport. “We understand that no one should be in possession of government trophy without a license. When quizzed, the second suspect could also not account for the ivory tasks. He said he got it from someone he could not identify in Maun,” said Tshebo.
A 2007 report by the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) stated that China faced a "major challenge", because it continues to be the "most important country globally as a destination for illicit ivory", exacerbated in part by its spreading influence and ties in Africa.
According to the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) Chinese nationals have been arrested and convicted of ivory smuggling in Africa, and organised crime gangs are also involved in bringing large quantities of illicit ivory into China.
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