Baggage Claim: Ivory Smuggler Caught at Kenyan Airport

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Friday, August 21, 2020
Author: 
Afrah Tahir
Volume: 
36
Issue: 
8
Abstract: 

When forty-seven Kenyans flew from Yemen into the Moi airport in late July of 2020,  passengers on the plane were unaware that Mansur Mohamed Surer, an alleged smuggler of endangered wildlife, sat among them.[1] Authorities speculate that Surer was using this route to return to Uganda, the hub of his operations, when agents using Yemeni intelligence, apprehended Surer as he stepped off the plane.[2] They immediately searched his bags and held him with airport police. He was subsequently turned over to Interpol Nairobi. Because the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) had been investigating the suspect, Surer will be extradited to New York.



[1] Mohamed Ahmed. How security agents spoilt birthday party for ‘wanted drugs, ivory baron’ Mansur. NATION. August 1, 2020. [https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/-how-security-agents-spoilt-birthday-party-for-wanted-drugs-ivory-baron-mansur-1910670]

[2] Daniel Wesangula. How High Profile Poacher Mohamed Mansur Surer Walked Into Open Arms of Police. THE STANDARD. July 31, 2020. [https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/the-standard-insider/article/2001380673/how-high-profile-poacher-walked-into-police-arms]