Police in Mzimba are keeping in custody a Zambian national for allegedly possessing six pieces of raw ivory.
According to Mzimba Police Deputy Spokesperson John Nyirongo, the suspect has been identified as Calvin Phiri aged 50.
He is reported to have committed the offence on 11 August, 2021 at Mpherembe Trading Centre in the district.
On the that date, Mpherembe Police officers and Detectives from National Police Headquarters’ Wildlife Investigations Unit followed up a tip that someone was possessing and offering for sale six pieces of raw ivory at Mpherembe.
The law enforcers arrested the suspect who was in possession of six pieces of Zambian ivory weighing 17.7 kilograms which were hidden in a bag.
He will appear in court soon to answer two counts namely being found in possession of listed specimen and dealing with government trophy.
The offences are contrary to Sections 86(1) and 91(1) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act respectively.
Phiri hails from Mjuzi village under Traditional Authority Kazembe in Lundazi, Zambia.
