A joint operation conducted by INTERPOL, the Dakar Urban Security and the Directorate of Water, Forests and Hunting resulted in the seizure of 50 kg of elephant ivory in the heart of the Senegalese capital.

The main suspect, Aziz, owner of a tourist secondhand shop, was arrested while involved in trafficking, possessing, and attempting to sell ivory internationally. The seizure was substantial: two tusks weighing 15 kg each, concealed in rice sacks sealed with zip ties, as well as 107 ivory carvings wrapped in newspaper. The entire haul is estimated to be worth 15 million CFA francs.

According to the initial statements of the accused, he did not act alone, suggesting the existence of a structured network.

The African elephant, endangered on the continent, is protected by a range of national laws and international conventions that Senegal has ratified. Both within the country and at the continental level, the legal handling of ivory trafficking cases now adheres to a zero-tolerance policy.

Beyond the massive destruction of the species, an elephant is killed every 20 minutes in Africa. This trade also fuels large-scale criminal networks. Ivory is a source of funding for armed groups such as the LRA and the Janjaweed, as well as a proven means of money laundering.

This successful operation marks a new stage in the fight against wildlife crime in Senegal and could lead to the dismantling of a wider network involved in the illegal sale of ivory to international markets.