More than 162 kilograms of Illegal Ivory was confiscated in 2015,says Kalembwe

THE Department of National Park and Wildlife has collected over K2 million in fines from wildlife crimes.

Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe said in a statement to Mwebantu that department also recorded 379 arrests as compared to 624 in the last quarter of 2015.

“The Ministry of Tourism and Arts has observed a reduction in the number of wildlife related offences recorded in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the last quarter of 2015, “Mr Kalembwe said.

He said 315 convictions were made compared to 488 in the last quarter of 2015, 139 imprisonments were made compared to 132 in the last quarter of 2015.

The departed recorded157 offenders who were fined as compared to 281 in the previous quarter resulting in a collection of K2, 106,721 in fines compared to K710, 350 in 2015.

Meanwhile, Mr Kalembwe said 162 kilograms of ivory was confiscated while 342.7 kilograms was recorded in the previous quarter.

He said 252 firearms had been confiscated compared to 274 in 2015. Over 1000 wire snares had been confiscated opposed to 2158 in the last quarter of 2015.