8 Elephant Tusks Seized, Trafficker Arrested in Yaoundé
A suspected wildlife trafficker has been arrested in Yaoundé’s Ekoudoum neighborhood while attempting to sell elephant tusks and pangolin scales. The man was found with eight elephant tusks concealed in grain bags, along with two backpacks and another grain bag containing 52 kilograms of giant pangolin scales.
The 28‑year‑old suspect was about to finalize the transaction when wildlife officials, accompanied by police officers, arrived at the scene and arrested him. He had transported the products in a hired taxi, concealing them in the vehicle’s boot. The operation was carried out by the Centre Divisional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife and the Regional Division of the Judicial Police, with technical assistance from LAGA, a wildlife law enforcement support organization.
The suspect is currently in custody while legal proceedings are underway. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison under the 2024 wildlife law, which classifies trafficking in wildlife products as a serious crime.
Investigations reveal that the trafficker is part of a network of ivory dealers operating deep in the South Region, particularly around Djoum and Mintom, known hubs for ivory trafficking. He reportedly traveled from Mintom to Yaoundé using public transportation, carefully concealing the products along the way. His operations extend into the Republic of Congo, where he sourced the elephant tusks. Doubling as a cocoa trader, he moves across several localities, dealing in both cocoa and wildlife products.
The government has intensified its crackdown on wildlife trafficking to safeguard Cameroon’s biodiversity. This pressure has forced traffickers deeper underground, making enforcement increasingly challenging. Traffickers now employ sophisticated concealment techniques to evade detection, as seen in this case.
Both elephants and all pangolin species found in Cameroon are classified under Class A, meaning they are totally protected species. Their trade, use, or transport is strictly prohibited, and violators risk lengthy prison sentences if caught.
8 Elephant Tusks Seized, Wildlife Trafficker Arrested in Yaoundé
Yaoundé, Cameroon — Wildlife officials and police have arrested a 28‑year‑old suspected trafficker in the Ekoudoum neighborhood of Yaoundé. The man was caught attempting to sell eight elephant tusks and 52 kilograms of giant pangolin scales, concealed in grain bags and backpacks.
The arrest was carried out by the Centre Divisional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife and the Regional Division of the Judicial Police, with technical support from LAGA. The suspect had transported the products in a hired taxi before being intercepted at the transaction site.
He is currently in custody and faces up to 20 years in prison under Cameroon’s 2024 wildlife law, which classifies trafficking in wildlife products as a crime
8 Elephant Tusks Seized, Trafficker Arrested in Yaoundé
