'Ugandan sold 18kg ivory'
2007-10-10 18:49
Kimberley - Police arrested a Ugandan national after he sold more than 18kg of ivory to undercover police agents.
Police spokesperson Cherelle Ehlers said on Wednesday that the agents negotiated for more than two months to buy the ivory.
"The man arranged to meet the two agents at a location in Kimberley to sell the ivory on Tuesday."
Ehlers said the agents offered the man R1 000 per kilogramme.
She said the man was arrested after the police were able to determine the authenticity of the ivory.
A total of 13 pieces of elephant tusks weighing 18.2kg was recovered.
The total value of the ivory was estimated at R22 000.
Ehlers said the police's organised crime unit, the asset forfeiture unit and nature conservation officials assisted in the arrest.
The 29-year-old man was expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court soon.
More arrests are expected.
- SAPA