A joint action operation between the direction of the fight against poaching, police and non-governmental organization Conservation Justice resulted in the seizure of many products in reptile skins.
This operation allowed the arrest of three suspected traffickers. This is Bouba Kary Haman Jam arrested in possession of 144 wallets in crocodile and snake skin, 12 bags in crocodile skin and 1 snake skin; Bah Ngoubdo who had 21 wallets and 18 bags in crocodile and snake skin, 5 belts crocodile skins and Abubakar Dahirou who held one bag in crocodile skin.
“These products were only confiscated samples several items being left in their respective boxes. Another raid was organized on the same day at the craft market to seize the remaining articles. In total, there are hundreds of bags, wallets and belts that were seized, representing the traffic of tens or even hundreds of crocodiles, “said a statement from the NGO Conservation Justice.
According to the same press release, “these products come from other countries and must meet international legal requirements. In particular, the CITES or Washington Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora threatened with extinction) should allow this type of trade based on national management bodies of CITES. However, the trade was organized in compliance with the law no. “”Besides, the Gabonese law fully protects three species of crocodiles. Hunting, taking, possession, transportation and marketing of fully protected species such as crocodiles are prohibited and violations vis-à-vis these species is punishable by 3 to 6 months imprisonment with fines ranging from 100,000 to CHF 10 million, “he says.
This operation is part of the commitments made by Gabon fight against poaching and smuggling of endangered species. It also aims to deter anyone tempted to make a fortune in this area.
