This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, Kenya Revenue Authority officials made a significant seizure at the Lunga Lunga border in Kwale, intercepting a consignment of 201 pieces of dried butterflies and 20 pieces of vulterine guinea fowl feathers.
A suspect was arrested in connection with the restricted goods, which are prohibited under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA).
The Kenya Revenue Authority is a custodian of the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and other local and international laws.
According to the authority, preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was destined for Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Documents in the suspect's possession indicated that the dried butterfly's consignee was in Szombathely, Hungary, while an invoice showed that the consignor for the vulterine guinea fowl feathers was in Dar es Salaam.
Customs officials at the Lunga Lunga One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) intercepted the consignment during a routine scanning exercise, prompting them to physically verify the contents of the shipment.
Upon inspection, the officials discovered the restricted items, including the dried butterflies and guinea fowl feathers.
The suspect was also found to be in possession of a stamp with the initials of the Director of Veterinary Services, Dar es Salaam.
The suspect has been handed over to Kenya Wildlife Service for further interrogation and action.
