Four Detained for Trafficking Elephant Tusks, Pangolin Scales

Partial view of the items seized by wildlife officials

Some four suspected poachers are currently detained in Yokadouma in the East region for trafficking elephant tusks, giant pangolin scales and panther skin.

            Eco-guards of Lobeke National Park working in collaboration with gendarmes and the police arrested the suspected poachers on March 3 in Socambo, a frontier locality with the Republic of Congo.

            They were arrested in possession of 12 elephant tusks, 9 kilograms of giant pangolin scales and a panther skin.

            The suspects, comprising two Cameroonians, a Malian and a Senegalese, will face trial for trafficking in totally protected species, wildlife officials have said.

            According to the Cameroonian law, they risk up to three years imprisonment if found guilty.

            Not less than 10 people have been sent to court in less than a month, for wildlife related offenses and trafficking in arms around Lobeke National Park.

            Last month, six persons were apprehended in Moloundou in possession of 6 war guns and 65 munitions.

             They are in custody in Yokadouma for judicial procedures before their trial in Bertoua by a military court for possession of war guns.

            “This latest arrest and seizure attest to our commitment to pursue the fight against poaching till we lay hands on the last poacher,” said Achile Mengamenya, Conservator of Lobeke.

            In spite of a robust anti-poaching fight by the Lobeke conservation service and mobilization of huge financial and human resources, poaching pressure around the park remains high.

            However, increased collaboration between Lobeke Park authorities and the local population is yielding fruits as local inhabitants have been denouncing suspected poachers leading to arrests.