Witnesses Report Suspect Arrest in Tanzania

On 3 October, in Dar es Salaam, the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) detection dog unit arrested a suspect in possession of illegal elephant ivory. Witnesses reported the suspect to be Mahadhi Mohamed Naoda and observed the TAWA team searching a vehicle and proceeding to an arrest.

This arrest by the recently established TAWA detection dog unit, which has been supported by the African Wildlife Foundation’s Canines for Conservation program, is one of a number made recently throughout Tanzania. The arrest is a clear indication that TAWA and the government of Tanzania are taking the possession and transport of illegal wildlife products extremely seriously.

Will Powell, AWF’s Director of Canines for Conservation stated, “It’s wonderful to hear that TAWA and the dog unit are putting continued pressure on this horrific trade in ivory.” Powell − who trained the dogs TAWA is now using − added, “We look forward to our continued partnership with TAWA in our daily efforts to end the trafficking in illegal wildlife products in Tanzania.”