Police are holding three suspects over illicit trade in wildlife trophies in Kinango, Kwale county.
The three, Pas Mwiti, aged 30, Kabwere Tembe, 26, and Salim Nduria, 22, were arrested after being found in possession of a male pangolin, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said.
Acting on a tip-off from members of the public, the sleuths posing as well-oiled businessmen engaged in the trade of the world's most endangered mammal, lured the sellers from their hideout before pouncing on them.
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Two of the suspects attempted to escape the police dragnet by setting the animal free prompting a dramatic chase in Vugurungani village
"This prompted the detectives to chase after the scary mammal with a full armour of scales and the two men, leaving a thick cloud of dust," DCI said.
The detectives, however, managed to restrain the suspects and the animal moments later.
Pangolin handed over to KWS
The suspects were escorted to Nairobi under tight security and are currently being held at the DCI Headquarters for further interrogation.
The pangolin has since been handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
"The endangered animal has since been handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service personnel at the Nairobi Animal Orphanage," DCI added.
DETECTIVES RESCUE A PANGOLIN DESTINED FOR SLAUGHTER
Detectives based at the Serious Crimes Unit have arrested three suspects in Kinango, Kwale county, after being found in possesion of a male Pangolin. The three Pas Mwiti, 30, Kabwere Tembe, 26, and Salim Nduria, 22, pic.twitter.com/ur3ZjxKUok— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) August 23, 2022
According to the police, pangolins fetch a fortune in the black market since their scales are used for spiritual protection and financial rituals.
"In Kenya, one such animal goes for approximately Sh4 million. Don’t go hunting for one, our men are on high alert," DCI revealed.
