Limbe Sea-Port:

Forestry & Customs officials tussle over seized Ivory
By Nwo Fuanya in Limbe
Observers at the Limbe Port were taken aback last week by a heated tussle and altercation that ensued between Forestry officials and their counterparts of the customs sector over who should keep a consignment of illegal ivory that was intercepted at the port by customs officials.
    The ivory was discovered as customs officials conducted a thorough search on the goods to be loaded in the transport and cargo boats at the ports. The illegal ivory was destined for export to Asia via Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
    The customs officials seized the ivory and immediately transported them to their headquarters located adjacent to the Bota Port. Meanwhile the traffickers were also nabbed and arraigned at the Limbe Police District.
    However, no sooner was the ivory seized than Forestry officials showed up urging the customs officials to hand over the seized ivory and its owners to them for follow up. But this did not go down well with the custom officials who questioned how the ivory could go through all the different forestry check points only to be discovered at the Limbe Port.

    While presenting the ivory alongside other illegal goods intercepted to the public, the South West chief of customs sector, Alima Nga said trafficking in ivory is a serious offence under Cameroon law. He added that despite serious warnings and even imprisonment of violators of this law, some unscrupulous persons continue to operate with impunity.
    He said investigations into the source of the ivory will be opened immediately.
    Also, another truckload of wrapping papers illegally imported from Nigeria was also intercepted. The driver immediately abandoned the truck in a nearby bush before vamoosing into thin air. It took the intervention of judicial authorities as well as forces of law an order and a motor mechanics to open the truck and reignite it before ferrying it to the customs office where investigations are underway.