Security forces at Juba International Airport have arrested an SPLA soldier who was carrying with him from Juba to Renk elephant tusks from eight elephants.
The arrested suspect told journalists that he was given money to buy the tusks by a man he did not name but said his customer is from Darfur of Sudan. He said the Darfuri is in Renk.
He said he bought the tusks from soldiers at Gadiang in Jonglei.
He added that he has been working in the Upper Nile for months at the Unit guarding the oil fields but without salary, which forced him to operate other business.
Jema Nunu Kumba the Minister of Wild life in the transitional government of National Unity said, “In front of us a number of ivory, elephant tusks and other tusks that has been impounded by our security in Juba International Airport. This ivory was being taken out of Juba to Renk,” she said.
Nunu said the ministry is working hard to ensure that wildlife are protected.
The minister appealed to the people of South Sudan to avoid poaching, urging the security forces to strengthen their work for the benefit of the country.
She said the law will be applied to people arrested in the business adding that ivory in the custody of the government will be burnt, but she did not say when it will be burnt.