Police in Nakaseke District have arrested 22 people after intercepting a taxi allegedly transporting suspected wildlife species, wild meat and hunting equipment during a late-night operation.
The suspects were arrested when officers mounted a snap checkpoint and stopped a white Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UAV 523K.
According to Savannah Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima, the vehicle was carrying hunting equipment, suspected wildlife products and 22 occupants.
“Officers at a snap checkpoint intercepted a white Toyota Hiace taxi carrying hunting equipment, suspected wildlife products and 22 occupants,” Twiineamazima said.
Police recovered hunting nets, spears, pangas, knives, roots and leaves of unidentified species, smoked and fresh suspected wild meat, three pairs of oribi horns, five bushbuck horns and porcupine quills.
“A number of items were recovered and secured as exhibits, including hunting nets, spears, pangas, knives, smoked and fresh suspected wild meat, three pairs of oribi horns, five bushbuck horns and porcupine quills,” Twiineamazima added.
All the occupants were arrested and detained, and are expected to be handed over to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for further management as investigations continue.
“The 22 occupants were arrested and detained.The suspects will be transferred to the relevant Uganda Wildlife Authority for further management,” he said.
