LAIKIPIA , Kenya, April 25 (UPI) -- Three suspected ivory poachers were arrested in Laikipia in western Kenya, illegally in possession of four pieces of ivory weighing 49 kilograms (108 pounds).
They were arrested as they brought to ivory to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
“We believe the trio is among a notorious group of people who are behind the killing of elephants and rhinos in this area,” said Kenya Wildlife Service game warden Erick Aduda, adding henceforth, “What we will do is shoot them (poachers) on the spot. The trend at which they are killing our animals is alarming.”
Those found guilty can be sentenced to life imprisonment in Kenya. The unidentified suspects will be arraigned in court after investigations are completed.
Aduda added a special team in the Kenya Wildlife Service has been established to deal with the growing number of poachers and missing animals, and an increase in Kenya’s ivory trade. The Laikipia West region currently has about 250 adult elephants and about 75 young ones, he said.
