In a joint US-Kenyan operation, one of two Kenyans wanted for alleged participation in wildlife and narcotics trafficking was apprehended. The United States government had offered a reward for information leading to Badru Abdul Aziz Saleh’s capture.
Kenyan security agents received a tip from the public, according to US authorities, which led to Saleh’s arrest in Liboi, Garissa county, on Monday. According to the embassy, US and Kenyan law enforcement personnel worked together to detain Saleh.
Abdi Hussein Ahmed, another suspect, is still on the loose.
The United States announced $1 million prizes for information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the two Kenyans on Thursday
Eric W. Kneedler, chargé d’affaires at the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, said Monday’s arrest of Saleh “would not have been possible without the public’s support. He appealed for information leading to Ahmed’s arrest.
Saleh remains in police custody in Nairobi and is expected to be extradited to the U.S.
Saleh was arrested back in 2019 for drug trafficking but released on bail, according to the U.S. State Department. A statement said he was a fugitive with an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A federal grand jury in New York indicted him in 2021.
Saleh and Ahmed were accused in the transportation, distribution and smuggling of 190 kilograms of rhinoceros horns and 10 tons of elephant ivory from different African countries.
They were also alleged to have been involved in transporting and distributing 10 kilograms of heroin from Kenya to the United States.
If convicted, both could face up to 10 years in prison in the U.S.
In March, Kenya launched a financial toolkit to help fight illegal wildlife trade..