TWO men suspected of dealing in rhino horns and elephant tusks were arrested by police in a sting operation in Durban’s Point on 28 January.
According to Brigadier Jay Naicker from provincial SAPS, things turned sour for the men who were waiting to meet a potential buyer, when they were confronted by police outside a hotel in Point.
“Police officers from the Point Police Station received information that the two men were in possession elephant tusks and a sting operation was set up. The suspects were contacted by police and an appointment was set up to meet on Monday outside a busy hotel in Point,” he said.
He said a police officer from Point SAPS proceeded to the location and requested to see the product. Without hesitation the suspects led the undercover police officer to their vehicle.
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“The men were stunned and they knew it was all over for them when they were confronted by police officers from the Point Rapid Response Team together with the Endangered Species Unit.
Their vehicle was searched and four elephant tusks were seized,” said Naicker.
The total weight of the tusks was 16,88kg with an estimated value of R300 000. The two men aged 35 and 56 were arrested for possession and dealing in ivory.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Khombinkosi Jula commended the police officers from Point SAPS for gathering the intelligence and for initiating the take down operation.
“KwaZulu-Natal is not a playground for criminals and it is a lesson that these criminals learnt the hard way. We have recently dealt a heavy blow to criminals who trade in illicit and counterfeit goods and we will remain relentless in our pursuit for a crime free society.”
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