Suspects accused of poaching elephant penises

Seven suspects, including five Chinese nationals, who were allegedly found in possession of 10 dried elephant penises valued at US$4.4m, as well as tortoises and pangolin scales, have been denied bail by the Kampala Magistrate’s Court following a televised hearing. The suspects were arrested following a tip-off by neighbours who suspected them of having escaped from quarantine meant to curb the spread of Covid-19. New Vision reports that the police stormed their residence in a Kampala suburb where they charged the suspects under the Wildlife Act. Uganda Wildlife Authority lawyer Annet Tuhaisomwe said in terms of the Act, a person who was in possession of protected specimens faced a fine of up to US$5.2m or imprisonment. ‘The Wildlife task force is seeing a growing demand for other parts of the animal; trunks, feet, even the penis, to be used in traditional medicine,’ said UWA spokesperson Blair Atwebarebeire, adding that the hide, which was believed to be a remedy for eczema, was particularly in demand.