Spanish Woman Arrested at JKIA with Ivory Bangle

Officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday arrested a Spanish national for being in possession of an ivory bangle.

Ms. Pich-Aguilera Maria, 50, was traveling from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when she was arrested with the jewelry weighing 0.025 grams.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), while confirming the foreigner’s arrest, said the suspect would be arraigned and charged at JKIA Law Court.

Her arrest comes days after a Nairobi court slapped a Frenchwoman with a fine of Sh1 million after she pleaded guilty to being in possession of ivory bangle.

Ms. Laazibi Amal was arrested at JKIA on Wednesday last week with an ivory bracelet weighing 0.85 grams. She was transiting through the Nairobi airport from France to Dzaoudzi Island. 

The foreigner risked a 12-month jail term if she failed to pay the Sh1 million fine. KWS said possession of such items encourages trade in ivory and poaching.

Kenyan laws recommend a life sentence or a fine of Sh20 million or both to those found guilty of being in possession of animal trophy.