Nyeri County detectives have recovered 52 kilograms of elephant ivory, estimated to have a market value of Kes 5.3 million.

According to the National Police Service, two suspects were arrested during the operation that took place on Tuesday.

According to the police, the suspects will be charged with possessing a wildlife trophy violating Section 93(4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013 at their arraignment on Wednesday.

The find comes after one person was detained and over 110 kilogrammes worth of elephant tusks were found in Laikipia County.

The 47-year-old man was apprehended in the Sipili area of Kirima Sub-County as part of an intelligence-driven operation by detectives from the Serious Crimes Unit after a vehicle carrying the tusks was stopped.

The illegal trade in elephant tusks, especially those from Africa, is nevertheless supported by increased demand for ivory in the East, where elephant tusks command a high price.