Wildlife trafficker grabbed in Bertoua

A man has been caught in Bertoua for illegal trade of wildlife species. The man popularly known as "Angloo" was caught in possession of a head, four parts of chimpanzees and many parts of an elephant such as skin and bones.

Forest and wildlife agents in Bertoua, in the eastern region, have been keen on matters concerning endangered species. 35-year-old suspect, 'Angloo' violently attacked a Constable who was part of the team which carried out at his arrest.

A witness reported that, although he was handcuffed, the trafficker continued to utter threats when he was being led to the territorial brigade of Bertoua. According to our sources, he is recognized as one of the biggest traffickers in the eastern region and he has never given up on his job.

They stated that, prior to his arrest, he had tried to sell two peaks of ivory to a customer coming from Yaoundé. He is best known for having very often supplied customers of different nationalities, by providing them with products of protected wildlife species, demonstrating his international connections.

Recently, added our sources, he gave the heads and other parts of chimpanzees to a Nigerian client. Other witnesses noted that he is also known to be a supplier of ammunition to its network of poachers.

It is believed that his arrest was facilitated by the NGO, The Last Great Ape Organization (Laga) who provided technical assistance. The NGO participated in the arrest, a few weeks ago, a 39 years man in Batouri was nabbed, for illegal detention of pangolin scales weighing 150 kg. Five skulls of gorillas, seven skulls from chimpanzees and a jaw of elephant were found among the scales.

In any case, these operations have gained momentum in the regions East and South since the beginning of October, and observers believe that this initiative falls perpendicular to stem the traffic of wild species in these regions regarded as home to a large number of wildlife species protected in the country.