Reuters AlertNet Lite - Kenya arrests 13 in crackdown on wildlife crime

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Kenya arrests 13 in crackdown on wildlife crime

09 Jul 2007 13:40:15 GMT
Source: Reuters

NAIROBI, July 9 (Reuters) - Kenyan authorities arrested 13 people over the weekend in a new crackdown by the east African country on wildlife poaching and the game meat trade.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said its rangers detained seven Tanzanian poachers and their local guide on Saturday in Tsavo West National Park, recovering several high powered rifles.

It said there had been several recent exchanges of fire between its staff and poachers crossing into Kenya, which bans hunting, from Tanzania where limited sport hunting is allowed.

"These incursions could be a result of a lack of wildlife in many parts of Tanzania caused by abused licensed hunting," KWS said in a statement. "The suspects are booked in at Voi Police Station awaiting prosecution today and their vehicle impounded."

Meanwhile, KWS said, a court in the same area remanded a suspected elephant poacher and also fined a local official who was hauled in after trying to prevent the suspect's arrest.

Two suspected game meat dealers and their driver were also due in court on Monday after being found near Nairobi with more 200 kilos of zebra and wildebeest stuffed in sacks.

"More of the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court any time from now in the KWS renewed crackdown on poachers and game meat dealers," the KWS statement said.

It said much game meat is sold in the capital under the guise of cheap beef, and that it was worried the illegal trade was threatening public health as well as wiping out wildlife.

"The un-inspected meat has a very high risk of transmitting diseases like anthrax and Rift Valley Fever," KWS said.

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Last updated:Mon Jul 9 13:42:21 2007