On April 15, 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a multi-agency operation known as Operation OXYGEN. The UWCU operatives infiltrated a criminal enterprise that were involved in trafficking of pangolin skins in Gulu, northern Uganda. After confirming the trafficker was in possession of one (1) giant ground pangolin skin, the female trafficker was […]
Giant Ground Pangolin Skin seized in Uganda Read More »
On April 3, 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a multi-agency operation that resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects who were trafficking hippo teeth in the investigation known as Operation MERCURY. During the search, 134 hippo teeth were found and seized. NOTE: It is estimated that poachers obtain 8 teeth per dead
134 Hippo Teeth Seized in Uganda – likely 20 poached hippos Read More »
On March 25, 2023, an operation in South Africa assisted by the South Africa Investigative Liason resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of three (3) live endangered brown hyenas, believed to be a mother and two pups. The suspect transported the 3 hyenas inside metal barrels in the back of his
Three brown hyenas seized from wildlife trafficker in South Africa Read More »
On January 25, 2023, a multi-agency team led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) resulted in the seizure of 31 kgs of elephant ivory and arrest of 2 suspects near Kasese Town in Uganda. Operatives engaged with the traffickers and were offered ivory that was hidden in the forest. A motorcycle was also seized
UWCU arrests 2, seizes 31 kgs. of elephant ivory Read More »
Operation HONEST was an investigation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) that resulted in arrest of one suspect and seizure of 26.5 kgs. of elephant ivory tusks and 4 kgs. of hippo teeth. The January 24, 2023 arrest took place near Kampala, Uganda. When the wildlife was located, the pieces were individually wrapped
26.5 kgs of Elephant Tusks and 4 kgs of Hippo Teeth seized Read More »
Near Kotido District, Uganda, four (4) wildlife traffickers were arrested as a result of an investigation by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) known as Operation HARBOUR. The traffickers were engaged in selling a live Ground pangolin. Once arrested, a search resulted in the additional seizure of 9.5 kgs. of elephant ivory tusks. The Ground
Traffickers arrested, ivory and pangolin seized in Uganda Read More »
On January 17, 2023, a pangolin trafficker was arrested during an investigation known as Operation HALF. This investigation by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit resulted in the arrest of the trafficker near Kaabong Town and the seizue of one (1) live Ground pangolin and four (4) pangolin skins. The live pangolin was later released into
Pangolin Trafficker arrested in Uganda Read More »
On January 4, 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a multi-agency operation that resulted in the seizure of one large elephant tusk weighing approximately 18.35 kgs. The tusk was being offered for sale by a trafficker who met with the UWCU operative in a hotel near Kampala, Uganda.
Elephant Tusk seized in Operation Cario Read More »
Dr Patricia Raxter, a senior illegal wildlife trade analyst at US-based NGO Focused Conservation, speaks about bushmeat trafficking and the potential for zoonotic diseases.
Inside the fight to stop illegal wildlife trade post-COVID Read More »
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partnered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate, arrest and prosecute the criminal syndicate operating in Africa involved in trafficking rhino horns, elephant ivory and narcotics. With the help of partner agencies, the investigation resulted in the arrest of Moazu Kromah and others involved in the criminal trafficking of rhino horns, elephant tusks and heroin.
Rhino Horn SYndicate busted by US Law Enforcement with help from partners Read More »
