Elephant tusks weighing over 110 kilograms have been recovered in Laikipia County and one suspect identified as Alfred Gathecha, arrested.

In an intelligence led operation conducted by sleuths from the Serious Crimes unit, the 47-year-old man was arrested at Sipili area in Kirima Sub-County, after a vehicle ferrying the tusks was intercepted.

Posing as well-oiled business men who rule the underworld, the sleuths lured the suspect before tightening the noose around him, shortly before 1pm yesterday.

The suspect will be arraigned in court to answer to charges of dealing in endangered wildlife species contrary to section 92(2) of the wildlife conservation and management act of 2013.

Elephant tusks fetch a fortune in the black market as a surge in demand for ivory in the East continues to fuel the illicit trade in elephant tusks, especially from Africa.

Members of the public are urged to continue volunteering information regarding poaching of wildlife via the #FichuakwaDCI hotline 0800 722 203.