Wildlife trafficking arrests reported in Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon

Authorities in Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon have conducted operations targeting the illegal trade of protected species.

In Congo-Brazzaville, four individuals were arrested in the departments of Bouenza and Niari. During operations in Nkayi and Dolisie, gendarmes and forest agents seized a leopard skin and several pieces of elephant ivory that had been cut into segments. The suspects face charges related to the possession, transport, and sale of trophies from fully protected species and will be presented to the prosecutor in Madingou.

In Gabon, four people are facing judicial investigation following the discovery of ivory from two elephants in the Ogooué-Lolo province. After an inhabitant reported a slaughtered elephant near Lipaka 2, forest agents recovered four ivory tips, a 12-gauge shotgun, and handmade ammunition. Two of the suspects have been placed in custody, while others remain on provisional release. Under Gabonese law, the suspects face up to ten years in prison and significant fines.