LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in the capital Lilongwe on Thursday arrested a 31 year-old Chinese national for illegally possessing ivory weighing 114 grams pegged at MK159, 000.
KIA’s Public Relations Officer Sapulain Chitonde has identified the suspect as Nan Zhuang holding a Chinese passport number E82925997 who allegedly attempted to export the ivory to his country through Ethiopian Airways.
Chitonde told The Maravi Post that upon quizzing Zhuang, the suspect disclosed that he felt betrayed by a fellow Chinese friend who borrowed him the bag.
The KIA Publicist said the suspect claimed that he packed the luggage without checking the contents inside and was shocked by the Police when the concealed five plates which were made like game trophies (ivory) were found.
“The bag was intercepted around noon at the Wrap and Go Machine in the passenger’s forward lounge as the Police Officer manning the spot physically searched the suspect’s bag, as a requirement before wrapping it.
“The suspect admitted carrying the ivory which looked like five plates of used soap tablets, but insisted that his colleague betrayed him. Nan’s arrest comes immediately after the successful completion of training by the 22 new Police Officers at KIA who have been oriented in Aviation Securities”, said Chitonde.
Illegal possession and importation of game trophy (ivory) is a crime in Malawi contrary to section 86 and 98 (b) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act of 2004.
Malawi Parliament two weeks ago amended and passed into law the National Parks & Wildlife Act (NPWA) which has powered courts to put serious wildlife criminals behind bars for up to 30 years with no option of a fine.