On May 2, 2023, only 3 weeks after the Special Wildlife Investigation Unit (SWIU) was formed, the SWIU undertook an investigation of a prominent member of the Monrovia community who was unlawfully in possession of a chimpanzee. During the investigation known as Operation BANANA, the SWIU operatives were able to gain the trust and confirm […]
Live chimpanzee rescued, one arrest made in Liberia Read More »
On April 26, 2023, a multi-agency team led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects who trafficked pangolin scales. The operatives traveled to the Lukodi Village in the remote Gulu District of Uganda and verified the traffickers were in possession of over 40 kgs of pangolin scales. Three
OPeration Platinum seizes pangolin scales Read More »
The Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a successful multi-agency operation known as Operation PALLADIUM which resulted in the arrest of 2 suspects and the seizure of 27 kgs. of elephant ivory in Mitooma, Uganda. During the operation, assistance was requested from the Uganda Police Force who were deployed to provde security and cover for
27 kgs. of elephant ivory seized in Uganda – warning shots fired Read More »
On April 15, 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a multi-agency operation known as Operation OXYGEN. The UWCU operatives infiltrated a criminal enterprise that were involved in trafficking of pangolin skins in Gulu, northern Uganda. After confirming the trafficker was in possession of one (1) giant ground pangolin skin, the female trafficker was
Giant Ground Pangolin Skin seized in Uganda Read More »
On April 3, 2023, the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) led a multi-agency operation that resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects who were trafficking hippo teeth in the investigation known as Operation MERCURY. During the search, 134 hippo teeth were found and seized. NOTE: It is estimated that poachers obtain 8 teeth per dead
134 Hippo Teeth Seized in Uganda – likely 20 poached hippos Read More »
On March 25, 2023, an operation in South Africa assisted by the South Africa Investigative Liason resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the seizure of three (3) live endangered brown hyenas, believed to be a mother and two pups. The suspect transported the 3 hyenas inside metal barrels in the back of his
Three brown hyenas seized from wildlife trafficker in South Africa Read More »
On January 25, 2023, a multi-agency team led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) resulted in the seizure of 31 kgs of elephant ivory and arrest of 2 suspects near Kasese Town in Uganda. Operatives engaged with the traffickers and were offered ivory that was hidden in the forest. A motorcycle was also seized
UWCU arrests 2, seizes 31 kgs. of elephant ivory Read More »
Operation HONEST was an investigation led by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) that resulted in arrest of one suspect and seizure of 26.5 kgs. of elephant ivory tusks and 4 kgs. of hippo teeth. The January 24, 2023 arrest took place near Kampala, Uganda. When the wildlife was located, the pieces were individually wrapped
26.5 kgs of Elephant Tusks and 4 kgs of Hippo Teeth seized Read More »
Near Kotido District, Uganda, four (4) wildlife traffickers were arrested as a result of an investigation by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit (UWCU) known as Operation HARBOUR. The traffickers were engaged in selling a live Ground pangolin. Once arrested, a search resulted in the additional seizure of 9.5 kgs. of elephant ivory tusks. The Ground
Traffickers arrested, ivory and pangolin seized in Uganda Read More »
On January 17, 2023, a pangolin trafficker was arrested during an investigation known as Operation HALF. This investigation by the Uganda Wildlife Crime Unit resulted in the arrest of the trafficker near Kaabong Town and the seizue of one (1) live Ground pangolin and four (4) pangolin skins. The live pangolin was later released into
Pangolin Trafficker arrested in Uganda Read More »
