Lusaka, Zambia: We are thrilled to announce the conclusion of “Operation Nguvu Zaidi” undertaken by Lusaka Agreement Task Force in collaboration with Zambia’s National Parks and Wildlife and other enforcement agencies in Zambia. In the relentless battle against organised wildlife crime, Zambia is pioneering a new era of enforcement, leveraging cutting-edge technology to outsmart poachers and traffickers. Spearheaded by the collaboration between the Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), a ground-breaking operation code-named “Nguvu Zaidi” (Swahili for “More Power”) was launched, heralding a significant shift in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. Undertaken from 21st March to 3rd April 2024, the joint operation embarked on a sweeping crackdown across Eastern, Central, Southern and Western Zambia.
The results were nothing short of remarkable. A total of 22 suspects were apprehended and their nefarious activities ranging from poaching to trafficking disrupted. The operation’s reach extended even to the remote corners of Zambia, with arrests made in Chibombo, Choma, Ndola, Petauke and Senanga. With the surge in wildlife crime incidents, the DNPW called for LATF’s support. The timely intervention of LATF injected much-needed support, providing not just financial resources but also crucial technical and material assistance.
One notable achievement was the arrest of six (6) suspected ivory traffickers who were nabbed red-handed during a sting operation in Petauke. Their attempts to peddle elephant ivory in the bustling town were thwarted, leading to the confiscation of a significant haul, including a Toyota Allion car and three (3) pieces of elephant ivory weighing 11kg.
The suspects holding the pieces of ivory seized from them and the car (right) used for smuggling the contraband.
The suspects were arrested for the offenses of unlawful possession of prescribed trophy in violation of Section 130 (2) of the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 of the laws of Zambia. The case file was submitted to the National Prosecution Authority for further action and prosecution in the law court. The matter is set for hearing on 19th May 2024.
The crackdown didn’t stop there. In Senanga, the DNPW Rapid Deployment Team apprehended four (4) wildlife traffickers and seized raw elephant ivory tusks weighing about 18kg. Leveraging modern investigative techniques, such as mobile call record analysis and digital forensics, authorities are now piecing together critical information to dismantle these criminal networks.
The seized contraband ivory and the four suspects.
The four (4) suspects were arrested for the offence of unlawful possession of prescribed trophy in violation of section 130 (2) of Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 of the laws of Zambia. The case file was submitted to the National Prosecution Authority for further actions and prosecution in law court. The matter has been set for hearing on 3rd May 2024.
In Ndola, in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, a town near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, another trafficking ring was busted and found in possession of elephant ivory that was being sold at $50 per kilogram, which were seized. DNPW undercover enforcement officials arrested the four (4) wildlife traffickers.
The four suspects and the pieces of contraband ivory recovered from them.
The suspects were arrested for the offence of unlawful possession of prescribed trophy in violation of section 130 (2) of Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 of the laws of Zambia. The case file was submitted to the Ndola National Prosecution Authority office for further action and prosecution in the law court. The matter has been set for hearing on 23rd May,2024.
The unwavering pursuit for justice continued with each arrest. In Chibombo District, in Katuba area a suspected trafficker was apprehended in possession of a live ground pangolin, a critically endangered species,. The seizure of the pangolin marked another victory in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, underscoring Zambia’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.
The suspects holding the recovered live pangolin
The suspects were arrested for the offence of unlawful possession of protected trophy in violation of section 130 (1) of wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 of the laws of Zambia. The case file was submitted to the Chisamba National Prosecution Authority for further action and prosecution in the law court. The matter has been set for mention on 27th May 2024. The pangolin was seized and later released to the wilderness as per procedure.
In yet another successful operation under Operation Nguvu Zaidi, a Chinese national was arrested for possession of illegal wildlife specimens. Among the seized items during this operation were live crown crested cranes and an array of coveted trophies, including wildebeest, warthog, and zebra mounts. This was in response to a tip-off that the Chinese national and a Zambian were illegally keeping live animals in captivity and other trophies since 2019.
The suspect was arrested for the offence of unlawful possession of a government trophy in violation of section 97 read with Section 136 of Wildlife Act No.14 of 2015 of the laws of Zambia. The case file was submitted to the National Prosecution Authority for further action and prosecuted in the law court. The matter has been set for trial on 15th May 2024.
The success of Operation Nguvu Zaidi is attributed to the collaborative efforts of LATF and DNPW. The meticulous mapping and dismantling of trafficking networks, coupled with forensic examinations of seized mobile phones, signify a bold step forward towards deploying innovative approaches in the quest to safeguard Zambia’s rich biodiversity.
As these criminals face the full force of the law, the message is clear: LATF and the Government of the Republic of Zambia stand resolute in our determination to protect our natural heritage, harnessing the power of technology to ensure a future where wildlife thrives undisturbed.
