Over 110 kg of elephant tusks were found in Laikipia County by detectives from the Serious Crimes Unit, who also detained Alfred Gathecha as a suspect.

After a vehicle transporting the tusks was stopped, the 47-year-old was taken into custody in the Sipili district of Kirima Sub-County.

The sleuths lured the suspect before tightening the noose around him just before 1 o’clock, pretending to be well-oiled businesspeople who govern the underworld.

Charges of dealing in endangered wildlife species in violation of section 92(2) of the 2013 wildlife conservation and management act will be brought against the suspect during his or her arraignment.

The illegal trade in elephant tusks, especially those from Africa, is nevertheless supported by an increase in the demand for ivory in the East, where elephant tusks command a high price.