Three men arrested in possession of a Pangolin worth Sh4million in Kwale
Detectives based at the Serious Crime Unit have arrested three suspects in Kinango, Kwale county, after being found in possession of a male Pangolin.
The three Pas Mwiti, 30, Kabwere Tembe, 26, and Salim Nduria, 22, were arrested by the detectives following a tip-off from members of the public.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), such an animal in the country goes for approximately Sh4 million and in order to arrest the culprits, they had to pose as businessmen who were engaging in the illicit trade of the world’s most endangered mammal.
“The sleuths lured the sellers from their hideout before pouncing on them and rescuing the animal, but not without a fight,” DCI said.
However, drama ensued in Vugurungani village after two of the suspects attempted to set the animal free and took flight.
This prompted the detectives to chase after the scary mammal with a full armour of scales and the two men.
The suspected culprits however were arrested and are currently held up at the DCI headquarters, where the suspects are currently being interrogated to reveal their financiers.
The endangered animal has since been handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service personnel at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
Pangolins fetch a fortune in the black market since their scales are used for spiritual protection and financial rituals, making the nocturnal mammal that feeds on ants one of the most trafficked in the world.
