Man arrested illegal possession of crocodiles

Accra (Greater Accra), 22 February 2000

A combined team of Police and Wildlife personnel on Monday arrested Alhaji Ashiru Haliru, a Nigerian, for possessing and trading with four crocodiles.

Alhaji Haliru, who is in police custody, has been in the country for over one week using the animals to sell herbal medicine for the cure of various diseases.

The crocodiles, made up of one huge adult and three small ones, have been sent to the Accra Zoo for safekeeping.

The zoo authorities could, however, not find accommodation for the huge crocodile since the cages and the pond could not contain it and is being kept in a vehicle.

The Police said the man would be put before court as soon as investigations are completed but declined to comment on the issue.

Wildlife Department officials said the culprit has flouted the Wildlife Conservation Regulation LI1452 1971, which prohibit the possession of wildlife without valid license issued by the Chief Wildlife Officer or his representative.

They said the Alhaji's action contravenes appendix one of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) world-wide, which prohibits the trade in animals such as crocodiles.

GRi