Congo police seize 116 elephant tusks, arrest 2 after truck crush in northeast

116 elephant tusks seized in Congo after crash

KINSHASA, Congo — Police in northeastern Congo have seized 116 elephant tusks and arrested two men following a truck crash.

Col. Sylvain Tshikez said Wednesday that the ivory was found inside jerry cans that tumbled off a truck involved in a crash.

The discovery took place near the town of Kisangani in the northeastern Orientale province following the accident. The owner of the vehicle was seriously injured but was also expected to face charges.

Illegal hunting of elephants in central and eastern Africa has intensified in recent years, with much of the ivory exported to Asia.

Poachers also have taken advantage of the fact Congo suffered through back-to-back civil wars, and the country’s volatile east remains mired in armed conflict.