The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) canine unit last night – arrested a Yemen national identified as Al-Maamari Maged Mutahar Ali at Entebbe International Airport. The suspect was arrested with 26 pieces of Rhino horns weighing 15 kilograms.
According to UWA Communications Manager Bashir Hangi, Ali was arrested at 03:10 hours during luggage check by UWA canine unit that is stationed at the airport.
The Rhino horns were concealed in food items to disguise their identity but our highly trained dogs were able to detect them.
The suspect has been handed over to aviation police and at the airport for further management of the case.
“We urge the public to desist from engaging in wildlife crimes. Over the last 25 years of UWA’s existence, the institution has built capacity to detect and appropriately engage those involved in wildlife crime such as wildlife trafficking among others and ensure they face the law. UWA will continue to make Uganda a dangerous place for anyone involved in wildlife trafficking,” Hangi said.
