Wednesday Feb 11, 2009
Local News

Elephant tusks impounded at Igumbilo


Dailynews Reporter, 11th February 2009 @ 09:21

Two elephant tusks weighing 29 kilogrammes and worth 1.9m/- were impounded at Igumbilo area, along the Iringa - Morogoro highway. The Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ezekiel Maige told the National Assembly today that the trophies were intercepted at a police block.

Mr Maige who was answering Godfrey Zambi (Mbozi East - CCM) said the consignment was sent to Iringa Police Station and later transported to Dar es Salaam. He said five people were arrested in connection with the contraband and a case CC/310/2008 opened against them at Iringa Magistrates Court. He said the case was still pending in court and the suspects are out on bail.

The minister said lack of working tools particularly transport and game warders shortage hampered efforts to deal with poachers. However, he said, efforts were being made to solve the problem and protect the natural resource against poachers. The legislator had sought to know reasons for poaching to thrive, the fate of people caught last year and measures taken against them.