Mozambique's SERNIC Thwarts Illegal Ivory Trade in Tete Province

Maputo, January 8, 2025 - In a swift operation on Sunday, Mozambique's National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) intercepted an attempt to sell four elephant tusks in Mágoè district, Tete province, signaling a continued fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

Celina Roque, the SERNIC spokesperson for Tete, confirmed the arrest of three individuals linked to this illicit scheme. The tusks, weighing a total of 30 kilos, were seized from the residence of one of the detainees, where they were to be sold for 150,000 Meticais, approximately $2,300 USD at the current exchange rate.

"The tusks were discovered at the home of one of the suspects. We've apprehended three people, but the mastermind behind this operation is still at large," Roque stated. She added that law enforcement is actively pursuing the fugitive to bring him to justice.

One of the arrested individuals, who spoke to reporters, claimed his involvement was limited to taking photographs of the tusks for the potential buyer. "My neighbor asked me to photograph the tusks, promising me a share of the earnings," he explained, attempting to distance himself from the core crime. He noted that the tusks were allegedly sourced from the Mágoè National Park, raising concerns about poaching within protected areas.

The incident has reignited discussions on the effectiveness of conservation efforts in Mozambique, where poaching remains a significant threat to wildlife, particularly elephants, whose ivory is highly prized on the black market.

The operation underscores the challenges faced by Mozambican authorities in curbing the illegal wildlife trade. Despite increased vigilance and operations like this one, the escape of key figures involved in these crimes highlights the complexity of dismantling these networks.

Environmentalists and local community leaders have called for stronger measures, including better community engagement to prevent poaching and illegal trade, and more robust protection for wildlife reserves. The economic allure of ivory continues to attract individuals into this illegal trade, often at the expense of Mozambique's rich biodiversity.

As SERNIC continues its manhunt for the escaped suspect, this event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against wildlife crime in the region, urging for both local and international cooperation to protect Mozambique's natural heritage.